The Memorial Service for Frederick W. Kopp, age 68 of Raleigh, will be held at 11:00am CT, Friday, April 15, 2011 at St. Gertrudes Catholic Church near Raleigh. Fr. Dan Berg will officiate with inurnment in St. Gertrudes Catholic Cemetery.


A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00pm CT, Thursday evening, April 14, 2011 at St. Gertrudes Catholic Church.


Special music will be provided by Leona Koch.


Serving as Honorary Bearers are Leonard Kopp, Herb Schreiner, Dave Dirk, Myron Loeb, Craig Fergel, Mark Pfaff, and Jason Bachmeier.


FREDERICK WENDELL KOPP was born February 5, 1943 at Flasher, ND to Anton and Eva (Loeb) Kopp. Fred grew up on a farm near Raleigh and then the family moved to St. Gertrudes where he attended the Leahy School. Fred attended high school in New England, ND graduating in 1961.


He worked for in floor and counter-top installation for several businesses and then as an independent contractor for most of his adult life.


He loved music and enjoyed playing drums in high school and later for the Johnny Mosbrucker Band.


Frederick passed away on Sunday, April 10, 2011 at the Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin.


Surviving family members include his son, Harlyn (Sandi) Kopp, Bismarck, ND; daughter, Debora (Albert) Lachemeier, Lincoln, ND; 5 grandchildren, Samantha, Emilee, Anthony, David, and Madelyn, 2 brothers, Anthony James (Alma) Kopp, Phoenicia, NY, Gerald (Patricia) Kopp, Vineland, NJ, 1 sister, Virginia (Tony) Fergel, Shields, ND.


He was preceded in death by his parents, and 1 brother, Patrick Kopp.


Fred was a master at so many trades. His farming experience provided him a lifelong fallback for employment and earned income. He often helped out on the family farm hauling hay, cutting silage and repairing equipment. His mechanic skills included rebuilding Chevy engines and "bikes" with the "scooter boys". His primary trade was interior decorating. After learning the trade working at a couple commercial businesses including Interiors by Florence, Fred became an independent contractor. "Independent" was an appropriate descriptive for Fred's services and his life style. Fred continuously received praise for the quality work he performed regardless of the task he took on. The finished product expressed his affinity for German perfection. So often he pointed out houses, hotels etc. where he installed carpet, linoleum or formica. Late in his life Fred even took up refrigeration. We all know how important it was to him to keep "the refreshments" cold.


Fred's heart was charitable so he was there when he was really needed. He provided hospice care for Viola Keys, a close friend for nearly 30 years, during her terminal illness. He was there for Dad too. It must have weighed heavy on his heart not being able to get Dad to the hospital in time.


All of us have the fondest of memories hearing Fred on the drums. He demonstrated an unsurpassed passion for drumming. His steady beat guided the steps of the dancers and his drum rolls beautifully punctuated the changing verses.


Fred didn't hold grudges. He was a forgiving man. He welcomed everyone who came to his door with a big smile and a gripping handshake. "Good to see you!" he'd say. Many of you heard his often repeated words about life, "I love it!"


Now he joins those friends and family members that preceded him. They along with the angels and saints will be eagerly listening to his life's adventures. So many stories embelished with verbal sound effects only Fred could do.