Virginia A. (Huber) Ropiak

Virginia A. Ropiak, age 91, passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan–All Saints Medical Center. Virginia was born August 27, 1920, in Ashland, WI, daughter of the late Frank and Rose (Nee: Marek) Huber and moved to Racine in 1960.

On September 21, 1943, at Westwood, New Jersey, she was united in marriage to Joseph “Joe” L. Ropiak who preceded her in death, June 12, 1996. Virginia was employed at Turnstyle Department Store from the opening day in 1961 until its closing in 1978 and she treasured the get-togethers of the Turnstyle Employees Ladies Group throughout the years. She then worked at Sears until her retirement in 1985.

Following retirement she and Joe cherished traveling extensively throughout the United States and spending winters in Florida with their family and friends. In her younger years she was actively involved as a Girl Scout Leader, and enjoyed playing dartball at George’s on Sixth Street. Virginia was a charter member of the VFW Auxiliary of Ashland, WI, and was a member of St. Edward Catholic Church. She will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her children, Thomas (Sue) Ropiak, Bob (Susie) Ropiak, Kathy Eckert, Beth (Kevin)Parco, Jim Ropiak; her grandchildren, Rick (Heather) Ropiak, Daniel (Melissa) Ropiak, Christian Ropiak, Suzannah Ropiak, Judah (Loida) Ropiak, Heather (Ed) Polzean, Amanda (Patrick) Prochniak, Natalie Parco, Stephanie Parco, Tiffany Ropiak; her great-grandchildren, Shelby Jo, Ashley, Alaina, Carter, Madelyn, Amelia, Jasmine, Colin, Tristan, Charlotte, Joshua, Gigi, Maui, Kitanna and Erica; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Don Eckert; and grandson, Grant Parco.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, October 11, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church, 1401 Grove Ave., with Rev. Allen Bratkowski officiating. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Monday at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Tuesday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Edward Catholic Church, Becker-Shoop Activities or to one’s favorite charity have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the Becker-Shoop staff and Wheaton Franciscan staff and hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888