Obituary of Paul E. Kopacz

Paul E. Kopacz

At the age of 71, Paul E. Kopacz passed away peacefully Thursday, September 14, 2017 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home following a courageous battle with cancer.  Born in Chicago, he lived in Wisconsin on a farm until the age of six, then returned to Chicago and settled in Joliet 16 years ago.  Paul was a proud U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran and a Chicago Police Officer for 23 years.  He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #7.  Paul’s greatest love in life was spending time with family and friends.  He also very much enjoyed watching his favorite western movies and police programs on television.  

He was preceded by his parents, Ed and Mary (nee Busch) Kopacz.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of just shy of 50 years, Irene (nee Rybij) Kopacz of Joliet; two sons, Paul (Rose) Kopacz of Chicago and Jerry (Dorine) Kopacz of Downers Grove; two grandchildren, Kerra and Lee; and one great granddaughter, Aubrey.  Numerous cousins also survive.  

Funeral services for Paul E. Kopacz will be Friday, September 22, 2017 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 Brook Forest Ave, Shorewood, IL where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, where full military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Army.   Visitation will be Thursday from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m.  For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com