Donald Kopitzke

Donald Kopitzke, 77, of New London, MN, and formerly of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Moments Hospice in New London.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday, one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors will be at Mound Cemetery in Ortonville.

The service will be live streamed, recorded and viewable below.

Donald Henry Kopitzke was born on November 5, 1946, to Henry and Judith (Reese) Kopitzke on the family farm near Taunton, MN. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. Donald was the youngest of seven children. He graduated from Boyd High School in 1964. He was drafted into the United States Army and served in Germany. Once discharged from the service he attended Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Canby, MN. Following his education, he worked for Cenex. 

He was united in marriage with Frances Elaine (Basques) Kramer on October 17, 1987. Donald was blessed with stepchildren: Charles and Christine. Donald and Frances were blessed with daughter, Ann Kopitzke. The family made their home in Ortonville. Donald held numerous jobs before finding his place at Runnings and worked and worked there   until his retirement in 2010.

Donald was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville. He enjoyed watching all sports, especially loved supporting the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Wolves, and the LA Lakers. He loved playing 654 dice game and cribbage. In his later years he enjoyed genealogy and history. Above all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren. 

Donald leaves behind his children: Charles (Laura) Kramer of Frazee, MN; Christine Kramer of Ortonville, MN; Ann Kopitzke of Blaine, MN; three sisters: Norma Kettner of Minneapolis, MN; Evelyn Kopitzke of Dawson, MN; and Lila Rasmussen of Canby, MN; brother-in-law, Mike DeYoung of Minneapolis, MN; three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, friends, and his cat, Baby. 

He is preceded in death by his parents: Henry and Judith; wife, Frances; and three siblings: Dorothy DeYoung; Donna Kopitzke; and Harold Kopitzke.