Clare Kopkau

Clare E. Kopkau, 82 of Elk Rapids, died peacefully Mon. Feb. 14, 2011 at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire. He was born Mar. 3, 1928, in Lansing, the son of Arthur and Francis (Gibson) Kopkau. Clare graduated from Central Michigan University. He went to work with his parents at Art's Grocery Store in Elk Rapids. He moved his family to St. Petersburg, FL and upon retiring from Publix Super Market in 1975, he returned back to the Elk Rapids area. Clare proudly served in the U.S. Army and past member of the Elk Rapids #114 Amvets. He was very active in the Elk Rapids Sportsmen's Club and was awarded lifetime membership. Clare was an all around outdoor sportsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, and skeet shooting. He is survived by his children Craig E. (Carol) of Largo, FL, Karen M. (Ron) Riegle of Williamsburg, David (Terrie) of Elk Rapids, Katherine A. (Steve) Puterbaugh of Eagle River, AK, and their mother Barbara (Morrison) Kopkau of Yuba, 8 grandchildren, 2 great granddaughters, 2 nephews and 1 niece. Clare was preceded in death by his brother Carl and his parents. Memorial services will be held Fri. Feb. 18, at 3 p.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes with Pastor Russell Tharp. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial donations may be made to the Kid's Annual Fishing Day, c/o Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com