Obituary of Wilfred Copa

Wilfred (Will) W. Copa, 89, of Northbrook, Illinois, peacefully passed away on Friday, November 13. He was born on March 5, 1926 in Little Falls, Minnesota. Will attended high school in Little Falls, and then joined the Army where he served as a jeep driver in Asia during World War II. In 1951, he married Audrey Knoll, and within a few years they moved to Chicago. Together they had 2 daughters, Kim (Brian) Bartlow and Kathy Copa. He was a beloved grandfather of Tyler and Heather Bartlow. Will was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Stella Copa. He is survived by his sister Bernadine Stanchfield. Will worked as a foreman at Fort Dearborn Paper Company before opening his own business, Custom Converting Paper Company, in 1969. Will was owner and manager of Custom for 23 years. When he and Audrey sold the company in 1992, they traveled extensively within the U.S., and throughout the world. Eventually their travels took them to 46 states, as well as the Baltic, the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, and to Egypt, Dubai and to photo safaris in East and South Africa. Will was known for his love of fishing, NASCAR, and his many Cadillacs over the years. He was a man of great faith and generosity, and was a wonderful example to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. A visitation will be held between 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm on Tuesday, November 17 at Kolssak’s Funeral Home at 189 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, IL. The funeral will begin with a prayer service at Kolssak’s at 9:15 am on Wednesday, November 18, followed by a 10:00 funeral Mass at St. Mary Parish, 10 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove, IL.