Obituary: Arthur William Kopf

Arthur William Kopf, age 94, of Chilton passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Ascension Calumet Hospital in Chilton. 

He was born June 12, 1930 on the family homestead, son of the late Joseph & Bertha (Steffes) Kopf and was a proud 1948 graduate of Chilton High School.  On October 1, 1952, he married Joyce Hein at St. John Catholic Church in St. John.

Art was the consummate farmer and truly enjoyed each and every moment he had tending to his cows and working the land he so deeply loved.  Even in retirement, Art made sure to keep track of his daughter’s farm operation, just to be sure things were operating smoothly.  

He was a lifelong member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, formerly St. Mary Parish where he also lent his voice to the church choir.  His Catholic Faith ran deep having been a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Member, and was also part of the St. Joseph Society.  With farming in his blood, Art volunteered with the Chilton FFA and served as Secretary at Equity in Reedsville, belonged to the FS CoOp and served on the Calumet County Fair Board as well as a Supervisor in the Town of Chilton.  For 31 years, Art also served as a director with Mt. Calvary Mutual Insurance Company which protected local farmer’s property.  

When his mind wasn’t on the farm, Art enjoyed a good game of Skat or Sheepshead with family and friends, traveling from card club to card club around the area.  Art was never too shy to take his beloved bride out dancing his entire life, until it became a little bit too difficult for him to fly around the dance floor.  He was a big fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers and looked forward to the college basketball season.  Even when he wasn’t farming, Art continually watched the RFD Channel to keep track of the farming industry.  Art appreciated quiet, simple moments peeling apples for applesauce and apple pies, slicing cucumbers for pickles, and never passed up an opportunity to help bake cookies for his family that he truly loved.  

Survivors include his wife: Joyce; his children: Mary (Floyd) Scullion, Susan (Al) Ammerman, Vicki Bergeron, Jodi (Ron) Ditter, a daughter-in-law: Linda Kopf; 10 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren.  He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

Art was preceded in death by his parents; a son: Sam Kopf; and his sisters: Edwina (Russel) Gasch, Frances (John) Weinreis, Clara (Allen) Lintner, & Jean (Ronald) Escher.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 am on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church (54 E. Main St.) in Chilton with Rev. Jon Thorsen officiating.  Burial will be in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.  A time of visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Monday, September 30, 2024 and on Tuesday at the church from 10:00 am until 11:15 am.  There will be vigil prayers held Monday evening at the funeral home at the close of the visitation.  

Art’s family would like to thank the first responders, and the medical team at Ascension Hospital for all of the care that was given to both Art, and his entire family.  

At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available at wietingfuneralhome.com for those wishing to watch a memorial video or see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family.