Werner “Johnny” Koopmann Jr., 71, of La Grange, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021.
Johnny was born in La Grange on July 17, 1950, the son of Werner and Louise (Tschatschula) Koopmann. He was baptized into the Christian faith on Aug. 6, 1950, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. He professed his faith at his confirmation at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church on March 22, 1964. Johnny graduated in 1968 from La Grange High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on March 6, 1968 in San Antonio. He served his country honorably throughout the Vietnam War era as a rifleman and was discharged in 1972 as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Johnny married the love of his life, Irene Ella (Meyer) Koopmann, on April 28, 1973 at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange.
After his service in the military, Johnny then began working for Martin Foods as a salesperson and route delivery driver. Johnny became a skilled house painter for Minarcik Construction, working there for 34 years. Those who knew Johnny well, will remember him for always having a very strong work ethic and being very passionate about his profession. Johnny officially retired in 2012, at the age of 62. Johnny was also a devoted husband and father. He loved his family dearly, and throughout his lifetime stressed the importance to his kids and grandkids of hard work and in caring for one another. Johnny was very patriotic, and so proud to have had the opportunity to serve his country. He was a member of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church of La Grange and a member of the Mount Calvary Men’s Club. Johnny had been very active with the La Grange Optimist Club, serving a one year term as president. He enjoyed volunteering his time and labor with the La Grange Optimist Club until his health prohibited him from doing so later in life.
Johnny is survived by one son, Jason Koopmann and wife Stephanie of Weimar; daughter, Theresia and husband Kevin Karstedt Sr. of La Grange; eight grandchildren, Nick, Kaylee, Camyron and Trinity Koopmann, Victoria Dominguez and husband Emmanuel of Weimar, Caitlyn Muras of Weimar, and K.J. and Kelli Karstedt of La Grange; one great-grandchild, Raylan Dominguez; two sisters, Marilyn Strmiska and Judy Zuhn, both of La Grange; three brothers, Martin Koopmann Sr. and wife Karen, and Wayne Koopmann, all of La Grange, and James Koopmann and wife Janice of Santa Fe, TX; two brothers-in-law, James Meyer, and Harvey Meyer and wife Denise, all of Schulenburg; one sister-in-law, Cynthia Meyer of Schulenburg; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife of 46 years, Irene
He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife of 46 years, Irene Ella Koopmann; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ferdinand and Ella Meyer; three children, Darrell, Louise and Werner Koopmann, III; and three brothers-in-law, Norbert Strmiska, Jim Zuhn and Willie Meyer.
A visitation was held on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021 from noon to 7:15 p.m. at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl St., La Grange. Family received friends from 5 to 7:15 p.m. A prayer service was recited at 7:15 p.m. Funeral services were held at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 at 10 a.m. Burial followed at the Mount Calvary Lutheran Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Serenity Hospice, Hospice Brazos Valley, Wounded Warrior Project, or to a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl, La Grange. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.