Kopper, John J. (1883-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Jun 7 p. 5

Birth date: 1883 Apr 1

text of obituary:

. . .

• Funeral services for John J. Kopper, 79, retired farmer and mechanic, were held Saturday afternoon at the Emmaus Mennonite Church near Whitewater, Rev. L. R. Amstutz officiating. Mr. Kopper died at his home at Whitewater on May 30. Born in Russian Turkestan, he came to the United States at the age of 10. Surviving are his wife, Helene, two foster daughters, three sisters, and one brother.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Jun 14 p. 8

text of obituary:

JOHN J. KOPPER

John J. Kopper was born April 1, 1883, to John and Justina Kopper in Koeppental, near Aulie Ata, Russian Turkestan, Central Asia.

The family came to the United States in 1893 when he was 10 years old. Almost at once he learned what it meant to work for other people, and these experiences made him a diligent worker and a sympathetic boss all his life.

He was baptized on his confession of faith by Elder Ed. Claassen and became a member of the Emmaus congregation near Whitewater, Kansas on Oct. 28, 1900. The Scripture verse given him for his life's motto was Rev. 2:25, ”but that which ye have already, hold fast till I come.” He believed that loyalty to one's church was a Christian duty, which he tried to fulfill.

On Feb. 7, 1907, he was married to Helen Claassen, and the couple made their home with his wife's aging parents, who needed their care, and to whom he was loving, dutiful son all through their declining years.

Mr. Kopper departed this life on May 30, 1962, having attained the age of 79 years and two months. He bore his illness with his usual patience and fortitude, setting a fine example. He was preceded in death by a foster daughter, two sisters and three brothers.

Mourning his departure are his wife, Helene; two foster daughters, Mrs. Albert Claassen and Mrs. J. Hershel Klassen and their families; three sisters; one brother; two sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law and many relatives and friends.

The Mennonite obituary: 1962 Jun 26 p. 426