Funeral services will be on Monday, April 9, 2018, 10:00 a.m. at the Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague, MN. Visitation will be at the funeral home on that morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Following the services in New Prague, burial will take place at 12:30 p.m. with full Military Honors at Ft. Snelling Nation Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN. Deacon Bob Wagner will officiate the services.
Robert Joseph Koppinger, age 71 of New Prague, died on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN. Bob was born on March 19, 1947 to Nick & Theresa (Knaup) Koppinger in Hettinger County, ND. He graduated in 1965 from St. Elizabeth Catholic School in Lefor, ND. He enlisted in the United States Navy on July 13, 1965 and served until honorably discharged June 26, 1969. He re-enlisted in the Navy and served from October 10, 1973 until honorably discharged August 1, 1975. Bob worked various jobs after the Navy as a farm hand, drove bulk gas trucks, road construction and later at a turkey plant in Pelican Rapids, MN. He married Vernice Burns Anderson on December 23, 1982 in Ada, MN. He also worked as a farm hand for Arnold Woodbury and Wittenburg Turkey Farm in Wyndmere, ND. In his later career he worked in the grocery business as a frozen and dairy manager. His last career before retiring in 2011 was with Schwan’s Sales Enterprises Marshall, MN and he was with them for 14 years. Bob enjoyed ice fishing, softball league, bowling, watching all sports, was a huge Vikings and NASCAR fan. He loved gardening, cooking, baking, crossword puzzles and reading. Aside from his devotion to his faith and his love of sports, his greatest joys was his relationships he had with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Bob was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Bob is survived by his wife Vernice; children; Ronica (Tony) Joaquin of New Prague, MN; Nolan Anderson of Fairhaven, MN; Nathan Anderson of New Prague, MN and Andy (Amy) Anderson of Slayton, MN. Grandchildren; Alyssa & Austin Joaquin; Darius, Asa Robert, Scout & Kaleb Anderson. McKenzie & Sydnie Anderson; Jazmine & Allie VanGilder, Tristin Brasel, Jaedon Anderson & Jessica DeRuyck. Two great-granddaughters and a great-grandson expected in May. Brother, Max (Bea) Koppinger of Phoenix, AZ and sister, Rosemary Riesinger of Dickinson, ND; sisters-in-law, Eleanor Walthers of Dickinson, ND and Whitey Koppinger of Bismarck, ND. Several Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers; John, Richard (Alice) and Jerry. Brother-in-law, Frank Riesinger.
