Dennis Robert Kopischke

DENNIS ROBERT KOPISCHKE, age 78, of Waseca passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Rochester.

Born on October 9, 1944 in Alma City, Dennis was the son of Wilfred and Dorothy (Powell) Kopischke. He graduated from Waseca Central High School with the class of 1963. He joined the Army and served until his honorable discharge. Following his military career, he worked various factory jobs, most notably for Wengers Corporation for over twenty years. After Dennis’s retirement, he worked various truck driving jobs. On January 20, 1968, he was united in marriage to Mary Kay Brown at Sacred Heart Church in Waseca. Together, they welcomed four children.

Dennis was a driver in the demolition derby for over twenty years. He was involved in enduro racing as part of the pit crew with his sons and grandson. He was known to be the trailerman for the snowmobile trips he would take with his family and friends. He enjoyed mowing, feeding the birds, taking care of his garden and spending time with his beloved dog, Buster Brown. He loved watching sports, especially NASCAR. Most of all, he loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He enjoyed when his family would get together to laugh and share memories, play cards, and shake dice. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church and American Legion Post 0228 for over 57 years. Dennis was a simple, quick witted, gentle man who will be dearly missed.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Kay Kopischke of Waseca; children, Denise (Jon) Ortloff of Glencoe, Kevin (Brenda) Kopischke of Elysian, Amy (Doug) Robinson of Waseca, Daniel Kopischke of Waseca; grandchildren, Derek and Blake Ortloff, Kole and Lindsey Kopischke, Rachel and Ryan Borneke, Beau and Maci Robinson, Ellie and CeCe Kopischke; brother-in-law, Robert Brown of Waseca; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Kopischke; father, Wilfred Kopischke; in-laws, Eileen and Leonard Brown; and sister-in-law, Joyce Brown.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca. Prayer service will begin at 5:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery following the prayer service.