Brother Kopel

Brother Francis Kopel, OSB, a monk of Blue Cloud Abbey, Marvin, South Dakota died on December 12, 2011, his ninety-second birthday. Brother Francis was a resident of St. William's Care Center in Milbank.

Abbot Denis Quinkert, OSB, superior of Blue Cloud Abbey, will preside at the funeral on Friday, December 16 at 10:30.

Brother Francis was born at Donnelly Minnesota on December 12, 1919. His family of nine children later moved to rural Avoca, Minnesota where he attended a country school for eight years. He was living in Olivia, Minnesota prior to entering Blue Cloud Abbey. Becoming a novice in 1958, he chose to be a claustral oblate rather than profess vows. Later, however, he requested to make final profession. This occurred on September 16, 1987.

Brother Francis was a laundryman at Blue Cloud Abbey until 1963, when he was assigned to Immaculate Conception Mission, Stephan, South Dakota where he worked in the boarding school laundry. Returning to Blue Cloud in 1971, he was the sacristan and mail carrier until his retirement due to failing health.

Burial will be in the abbey cemetery. Brother Francis is survived by a sister, Leona Schafer, Renville, Minnesota, and by nieces and nephews.