Obituary of Eugene Edward Kopecky

Gene was born and raised until the age of 9 in Omaha, Nebraska. His family then moved to Phoenix, AZ where he graduated from Central High School in 1961. He then attended Phoenix College for two years, and transferred to No. Arizona University where he majored in business and graduated May 1966. At that time, Gene enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in San Diego, Ca. This is where Gene met his wife of 49 years, Janie. They met through a cousin of Janie’s, whom Gene had met at boot camp. Gene and Janie married November 25th, 1966 in San Pedro, Ca. Gene was deployed for two years to the naval base in Yokuska, Japan. Upon returning to the states he was assigned to the USS Aludra and completed a tour up and down the coast of Vietnam. Gene was honorably discharged from the Navy October 1968. Gene and Janie made their home in San Pedro, Ca, Gene worked for Safeco Insurance as an insurance adjuster, for 15.5 years. During that time Gene had two lovely daughters, Karole and Laura, and also moved to Phoenix, AZ for 6 years, and in 1980 moved to Santa Clarita to raise the girls. Gene enjoyed some wonderful friendships created throughout this time, as well as being part owner of a small computer company and used book store. His greatest love besides his family and friends, was his large stamp collection which he dedicated much time too. In 1996 he moved Janie to Ventura where they resided until his retirement in 2014, and then fulfilled his lifelong dream of moving to South Dakota. He enjoyed the past two years visiting with family/friends, gardening and working at Menards. Gene is predeceased by his grandparents, his parents, Edward and Blanche Kopecky, In-laws, Roy and Jean Gunn, his aunts, Emma Svanda, Dorothy Dvoracek, Eleanor Hakl, Lillian Noll, Marie and husband Joe Sortino. Uncle Edward Hakl. Gene is survived by, his wife of 49 years, Janie Kopecky, Daughters: Karole Kopecky and Laura Kopecky and partner, Paula Smith; Sister, Beverly Kopecky-Stanton, Nephew, Henry Stanton; Sister in law and husband, Lucinda and Brad Traughber; Nephew, Joshua Bramlett and wife Delia, children Matthew and Valerie; Cousins Judy Wagner, Tabor, SD, Irma Wynia, Sioux Falls, SD, Janet and Ed Sykora, Tabor, SD. And his beloved Boxer Tobey. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Heartland Humane Society, specifically for the dog kennel project, or Boxer Rescue Los Angeles.