Paul W. Kopitzke was born on December 2, 1915 on a farm in Swan Lake Township, to John and Minnie (Block) Kopitzke. He attended country school and completed his education while in the US Army. He enlisted in the Army National Guard on February 5, 1940, and was a member of the first troops to land on Omaha Beach on D Day, June 6, 1944, where he received a battlefield commission. He participated in five major battles and was awarded five Bronze Stars. Paul attained the rank of Captain in the Airborne Rangers, and later served as Company Commander for the 136th Infantry Unit of the National Guard when they were deployed from Morris to serve in the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge from the Army on May 25, 1952, Paul returned to Morris, where he ran his own construction business. He later served as construction superintendent for projects in Morris and at UMM, his final project being the UMM Student Center.

Paul was always active in community affairs. He was a charter member of the Housing and Redevelopment Association which appropriated millions of dollars to residential improvement projects throughout the surrounding area. He served on the boards of First Lutheran Church and West Central Lutheran Homes and was an instructor for the Boy Scouts. Paul was also a life member of the American Legion and VFW and was a charter member of the 9-F Sportsman's Club.

Paul was an avid outdoorsman-a hunter and fisherman. He had a deep appreciation for nature and the environment, always trying to leave it in better condition than he had found it. He also enjoyed gardening, and for many years marketed the onions that he grew.

Paul will be greatly missed. His family thanks him for the gifts he shared with them: his devotion to family; his love of nature; his sharing of knowledge; humility; kindness; value of responsibility to others; humor; intelligence; and his model of faith, hard work and perseverance. He was also a supporting husband and father.

Paul passed away on Sunday, June 24, 2007 in Fargo, North Dakota, following complications from leg surgery. He lived to reach the age of 91 years.

Paul is survived by his wife: LaVerne Kopitzke of Morris; one son: Bill Kopitzke of Houston, TX; two sisters: Josie Fougeron of Morris and Rose Gibson of Grapeland, TX and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers: Andrew, George, Leo, Edward, and Richard and two sisters: Agnes and Florence.

Pallbearers for the service are: Robert Staples, Charles Seip, Douglas Plank, Robert Revermann, Robert Stevenson and William Dripps. Honorary pallbearers are all who called Paul Friend. ___ will serve as organist for the service with Ken Hodgson serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.