Francis (Frank) J Koppa

Francis (Frank) J. Koppa died October 25, 2026.

He was born in Marathon City, WI on July 3, 1931 to Theodore and Verna (Piekarski) Koppa. The family moved to Wausau, where he attended Elementary and High Schools, graduating in 1950. He enrolled at the Telegraphy Institute in Minneapolis, and after completion went to Pocatello, Idaho to work on the Union Pacific Railroad. After a short stay "In the West" he returned to Wausau and began work on the Chicago Northwestern Line.

On May 9, 1953 he married Mary L. Luhm at St. Patrick's Church in Eau Claire WI. They lived in Wausau until 1956 returning to Eau Claire where Frank opened Koppa's Texaco Service at 702 Water Street in August 1957. In 1962 he became a Standard Oil Dealer operating Stations at 101 W. Grand Ave and later 317 N. Barstow St. which include a Car Wash. On Jan 1, 1962 he purchased the Station and property at 318 Farwell St. which became Koppa's Service Center until he sold in in June 1989. He also operated along with his wife, Mary, a Station and Car Wash at 501 Water St and owned the franchise for National Car Rental from 1971 to 1974.

He was not retired for long, as he began working part time at Sam's Auto and later for O'Reilly's as a Delivery Driver, but this allowed long weekends for fishing and deer hunting at his favorite place at Teal Haven.

Frank was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus beginning with becoming a Squire at age 18 which allowed him to bowl for the KC's in Wausau, continuing in Eau Claire. In 1985 he became Secretary for the KC Bowling League until the League ended in 2012. But he continued bowling in other Leagues. He was also an avid golfer and golfed in many groups.

Frank is survived by his son; Jeffrey (Debbie); daughter, Denise Eckel; four grandsons, Eric (Kirstin) Koppa, Darren Koppa, Jacob (Kristy) Eckel, Jonathan (Jamie) Koppa; one granddaughter, Sarah (Michael) Larson; great-grandsons, Darren L Koppa Jr, Olaf Michael Larson, Liam Francis Koppa, Aiden John Koppa and Theodore Jeffrey James Koppa; great-granddaughters, Alexandria Lynne Eckel, Jessica Koppa, Elektra Koppa, Elizabeth Marie Koppa and Rosemary Koppa; brother, James (Linda) Koppa; sisters, Rita Jewell, Rosemarie (David) Van Leuven; several nieces and nephews and his favorite hunting partner and friend Pat Welsh.

He is proceeded in death by his parents and wife, Mary.

A special Thank you to St. Croix Hospice for all their loving care and support for both Mom and Dad.

A Celebration of Life will be held for both Frank and Mary from 2:00pm - 5:00pm on Friday, November 13, 2026 at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home- WEST CHAPEL, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire. Online condolences may be shared at www.lenmarkfh.com.