Wayne Charles Kopp

PARK RAPIDS -- Wayne Charles Kopp, 79, Park Rapids, formerly of Wadena, died Tuesday, July 16, 2002, at his home.

He was born Feb. 7, 1923 in Wadena to Peter and Anna (Berning) Kopp. He attended St. Ann's Catholic Elementary School through eighth grade and then attended Wadena High School, graduating in 1940. He attended the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis. He enlisted in the Naval Air Corps and served during World War II. With the sudden death of his father, he took over the family business -- the Wadena Bottling Co. -- which was later renamed the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Wadena. He married Ruth Schoneberger, Park Rapids, on Oct. 10, 1945. They ran the bottling company until their retirement. In 1988, they moved to Park Rapids. His wife died in 1995. He was a longtime member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post 212, the Park Rapids Knights of Columbus and the Wadena Lions Club.

Survivors include a daughter, Jane Dillon, Brainerd; two granddaughters; four great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Wanda Lepper, Wadena, and Vera Browne, Winona.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Park Rapids with Father Dennis Wieland officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Park Rapids.

Friends may call from 5-7 p.m. today and one hour before services Friday at the church.