George Koopman

George Herman Koopman, 69, of Marshfield, died peacefully at his home on Monday, Aug. 29, 2022.

Psalm 73:26 – My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Sep. 2, 2022, at Calvary Bible Church in Marshfield, with Pastor Jim Curtis officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Sep. 1, and also one hour prior to the service time on Friday. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Marshfield.

George was born July 4, 1953, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, the son of Jack and Janet (Hamstra) Koopman. He attended schools in Delavan and Elkhorn, and then served in the U.S. Army in 1972 and 1973. For one and a half years of that period, he was stationed in Germany, patrolling the border between East and West Germany.

He was married to Connie Gail Schelling on June 28, 1975, at Calvary Bible Church in Marshfield. One of his finest accomplishments was building their home west of Marshfield in 2012.

George worked in automotive repair at Badger Motors in Auburndale, and later at several other businesses in Marshfield, including Art’s Body Shop and Dick’s Auto.

He started his own business – Koop’s C.A.R. Service in Chili, Wisconsin, in 1981. He restored many classic cars which were displayed at area car shows.

The shop and gas station were later converted to a small convenience store called Koop Mart.

In more recent years, when his interest changed to woodwork and cabinetry, the store was changed to G.K. Custom Woodworks.

He worked at the Marshfield Super Speedway – first with the Reinwand Racing Team and later on the ambulance crew. He enjoyed watching NASCAR.

George was proud to be a volunteer fire fighter and EMT. He served 25 years with the Chili-Fremont Fire and Rescue Department, and several of those years as Fire Chief. Until his illness, he was a member and Safety Officer for the Town of Lincoln Fire and EMS Service. The following fire fighters will form an Honor Guard and serve as pall bearers: Andy Gingerich, Simon Fischer, Justin Joiner, Robert Koopman, Roy Koopman, and Joseph Koopman.

He was a member of Calvary Bible Church in Marshfield, where he served as a Sunday School and Awana leader, and as a Deacon on the Church Board. Using his woodworking skills, he was involved in many church building and remodeling projects. He went on mission trips to Honduras and Mexico.

George loved boats and fishing with his family and friends.

George is survived by his wife of 47 years, Connie; and his children, Nicole (Mike) Lutz of Vesper, Lisa (Luke Yost) Hansen of Marshfield, and Robin (Jamie) Binder of Loyal. He is further survived by his father, Jack of Auburndale; and brothers and sisters, Glenn (Judy) Koopman of Missouri, Robert (Linda) Koopman, Roy (Betty) Koopman, and Joseph (Darlene) Koopman all of Auburndale, Carol (Harley) Pryne, and Dorothy (Ken) Van Stedum both of Wisconsin Rapids, Kathy (Dixie) Boyer of Arpin, Kimberlee (Kurt Doescher) Chaltry of Marshfield, and Caralee (Mark) Jicinsky of Iowa. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Abigail Koopman, Clifford and Sophia Hansen, and Mikaela and Michael Binder.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Janet; and a sister, Shirley.

Special thanks to Dr. Seth Fagbemi, and the wonderful nurses in the Oncology Department at the Marshfield Clinic; and the doctors and nurses in Gastroenterology; and Compassus and its Hospice Care Team for their excellent care.

Online condolences may be made at www.hansenschillingfuneralhome.com for your convenience.

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