Steve Kopasz

Retired District 60 school teacher, Steve Kopasz, age 95, passed away peacefully at his home January 22, 2022, in Pueblo, CO. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Louise Sandkuhl Kopasz; parents, Steve and Mary Illes Kopasz; sisters, Joan (Richard) Reber, Betty (Jim) Bruce, Margaret (Tibor) Sabo; grandchildren, Bryan and Melanie Kopasz (Lynn and Sandra); and great-grandchild, LuLu Kopasz (Michelle Kopasz); sister-in-law, Pansy McPheron; brother-in-law, Harold Sandkuhl; father-in-law Leo Sandkuhl; mother-in-law, Mae Harris Sandkuhl; and stepmother-in-law, Bertha Covert Sandkuhl. Mr. Kopasz is survived by his seven sons, Steve Jr. (Ruth), Canon City, CO, Lynn (Sandra), Colorado Springs, CO, Leo (Lillie), Grand Junction, CO, Bruce (Jeanne), Black Forest, CO, Dane (Sylvia), Bellvue, CO, John (Karla), Parker, CO, and Harold Kopasz, Boone, CO. “Grandpa Kopasz”, is also survived by 17 loving grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; and sister-in-law, Marjorie R. Gibson, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Steve was born in Lorain, Ohio, on March 12, 1926. His father immigrated from Hungary in 1923, followed later by his mother and two older sisters in 1925. In his younger years in Ohio, he worked as a laborer on local farms to help support his family during the depression. Steve received a scholarship from Bowling Green State University, where he met the love of his life, Louise Edna Sandkuhl. They eloped on July 21, 1947, in Covington, KY. After graduating the newlyweds moved to Colorado, where Steve taught in District 60 Schools. December of 1949, he became the first male teacher at Bessemer Elementary. He then went on to teach at Corwin Junior High, and Central High School. In the fall of 1959, Steve became one of the original teaching staff at South High School, until he retired in 1983. Steve influenced the lives of many young Puebloans throughout the years. For a few years, Steve ran the summer recreation program at Bessemer Park. He then spent numerous summers helping other teachers, community members, and his sons build their own homes. While living in Colorado, Steve and Louise became avid fishermen, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts. He was referred to as “The Bull of the Woods”, and Louise was called “Lucky Lou”. Steve, Louise, and their large family enjoyed many days camping and telling stories around a campfire. They were also frequent visitors to Cripple Creek. The family would like to thank the Sangre de Cristo Hospice, nurse Rene, case manager Vince, and his medical team for all the care our father and family received during his last few weeks. A graveside memorial service will be held at Roselawn Cemetery, 1:00pm, Saturday, April 23, 2022. For information, please refer to roselawnpueblo.org website or social media postings. In place of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation be made to the South High School Alumni Fund.

Steve Kopasz

March 12, 1926 - January 22, 2022