Laverne G. Kopetsky, 81, of Aberdeen, SD, peacefully entered the gates of his Heavenly home on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Prairie Heights Healthcare, after a long-fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Laverne’s wishes were to be cremated, and a Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Carlsen Funeral Home, with Pastor Derek Baum officiating.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
A celebration of life gathering and light lunch will be served at the Family Worship Center, 435 N Hwy 281, Aberdeen, immediately following the memorial service.
Casual attire is preferred.
Laverne’s family prefers that memorials be sent to Aldersgate Church in lieu of flowers.
Carlsen Funeral Home & Crematory, 1708 8th Ave NE, Aberdeen, has been entrusted with arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.carlsenfh.com.
Laverne Gene Kopetsky was born on February 26, 1944, in Aberdeen, SD, to Joseph and Iona (Parvey) Kopetsky. He attended and graduated from Barnard High School in 1962. Laverne married Barbara Hart in June 1966. They made their home in Frederick, where Laverne worked at the Frederick GTA elevator until being hired as the general manager of the Cenex station and the elevator. They relocated to Minneapolis, MN in 1979 where he was employed in the corporate office of Cenex until they returned to Aberdeen, SD in 1982. Laverne worked for many years at Firestone, Runnings, Napa Auto Parts, and Advanced Auto Parts until his retirement in 2017. Laverne and Barb had two sons, Gene and Charles “Chuck.”
Laverne was a dedicated member of Aldersgate Church (formerly First United Methodist Church) in Aberdeen. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, coin collection, gardening, and most of all, attending of his children and grandchildren’s sporting and music events. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Laverne had been a member of the Sunrise Lodge No. 211 Masonic Lodge, the Minerva No. 5 Order of the Eastern Star, Charter President of the Frederick Jaycee’s, a volunteer EMT with the Frederick Ambulance, and served on various boards and committees.
Laverne is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, Barb; sons, Gene Kopetsky and Charles “Chuck” (Joanie) Kopetsky; five wonderful grandchildren: Dr. Tiffany (Dr. Mawuli Wilson-Cee) MacDonald, Donovan Kopetsky, Brittany (Samuel) Schnell, Nicole Kopetsky, and Joseph “Joey” Kopetsky; one great-grandson, Tobias Arthur Schnell; brother, William Kopetsky of Nisland, SD; sister, Alice (Blaine) Christianson of Fargo, ND; several brothers and sisters in law; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Iona; in-laws, Charles and Ruth Hart; sisters in law, Linda Phelps and Wanda Franz; brothers-in-law, Kerry (Mara) Hart and Chuck Phelps; nephew, Scott Franz; niece, Lori Franz; and special family friend Irene Ashley.
Laverne will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
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