Obituary: Donald J. Copiskey

Donald J. Copiskey, 78, of Sturgeon Bay, died July 20, 2017 at Sturgeon Bay Health Services (formerly Golden Living Center-Dorchester) in the presence of his family and caregiver.

He was born Nov. 13, 1938 in Juddville, the son of Chester Edwin Copiskey and Gladys Lucille (Oberer) Copiskey. Don grew up on the family farm on Juddville Road and attended school down the road at the schoolhouse located on the corner at the Highway 42 intersection. On Oct. 27, 1962, he was united in marriage to Joanne Marie Salkowski at St. Paul Lutheran Church (on Juddville Road). They shared nearly 47 years of marriage. Joanne preceded Don in death on July 9, 2009.

He was initially employed at the shoe factory on the west side of Sturgeon Bay until it closed at which time he went to work in the shipyards for Peterson Builders, Inc. Don was known as “Dippin’ Don” at PBI as he helped to coat metal prior to construction. When PBI closed, he went to work at Hatco and also for Service Master (cleaning) until his retirement in the 2000s.

As a kid, Don grew up attending St. Paul Lutheran Church. He enjoyed being outdoors – fishing for perch and some salmon, hunting deer, camping, and occasionally, gardening. Don was also a musician who liked playing the guitar and singing and listening to country western music. He loved watching the Green Bay Packers and car racing on television.

Don is survived by his son, James of Sturgeon Bay; two granddaughters, Kiana and Kayla; sister, Viola Fairchild of Fish Creek; brother, Arnold, formerly of Juddville, who was also his roommate at Sturgeon Bay Health Services; sister-in-law, Kaaren Van de Grift of Saint Nazianz; nieces and nephews; other relatives; and his caregiver, Crystal Rusche of Sturgeon Bay.

He was reunited with his parents; wife; brother, Allen; two brothers-in-law, Alan Salkowski and Gordon Fairchild; and cat, Sasha.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am Friday, July 28, 2017 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Juddville (W4167 Juddville Rd., Fish Creek, WI 54212) with Pastor Frank Kauzlarich officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church on Friday from 10 am until the time of service.

Huehns Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Copiskey family with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Don may be shared with his family through his tribute page at huehnsfuneralhome.com.