Patricia was born in Peoria, IL, on September 2, 1934, to parents Richard Norwood White and Dorothy June (nee Ives) White.
Patricia was an Honor Resident and Outstanding Senior at Illinois State University where she earned her teaching degree. She also served on the Women’s Recreational Association Board. She also received her master’s degree from Northern Illinois University.
She married William Koert Kopp on August 24,1963, after meeting while teaching together at Algonquin Junior High in Des Plaines. Patricia went on to work in School District 214 at Forest View High School as a physical education teacher and department chairman. She then became an Assistant Principal and P.E. teacher at Longfellow Elementary School in Buffalo Grove where she taught and dedicated herself to her students for over 28 years. She “retired” in 1999 but still substituted for years to follow.
Patricia was also a woman of faith. She joined Faith Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights upon her marriage to Bill. She was a High School Sunday School teacher, Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Board of Education, Secretary of the Board, Lay Leader, Vice President of the Board, Communion Server and worked tirelessly on various committees- Christmas Cookie Sale, Spring Plant Sale, Fall Festival Mum Sale, Liturgical Arts, Quilting, and Manna Gift Card Sales.
Patricia loved crafting and spent countless hours sewing, knitting and needle- point. She was very supportive of her children with everything they pursued. From Cheerleading Mom with MPMFA to President of the Laffof YMCA Swim Team, Patricia was very involved with her children’s sports especially swimming. She will be dearly missed by all who know her.
Patricia is survived by her children Kimberly J. Kopp of Arlington Heights, IL, and William B. Kopp (Patrina Dean Kopp) and grandchildren William L. Kopp and Madison S. Kopp of Tampa, FL.
She was proceeded in death by her husband, William K. Kopp, and her siblings Carol J. Rathman (Dyrle Rathman) and Richard T White.
A special thank you to Inspired Home Health Care in Arlington Heights and Cherished Place Adult Daycare who helped care for Patricia in her final year.
Visitation will be Friday, November 22, 2024, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL, 60004.
Funeral Services will be Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 10 AM at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL, 60005, with a 30-minute visitation prior to service.
Memorials can be made to Faith Lutheran Church.
For further information, please contact the Glueckert Funeral Home at 847-253-0168
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