Chester Robert Kopras, age 83, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at home in Merrimac. He was born on December 29, 1925 in Weyerhaeuser, Wisconsin, the son of the late Stanley and Rose (Smentek) Kopras. After graduating from high school he worked on the family farm. He met Phyllis Miller and relocated to Southern Wisconsin where he started working as a carpenter, and was a long-time member of Carpenter's Union Local 314. Chester and Phyllis were united in marriage on August 19, 1950 and raised their family in Mazomanie. Upon retirement he moved to Lake Wisconsin where he enjoyed fishing, gardening, and playing cards with friends. He will be greatly missed by his five children, Bob (Becky) Kopras of Black Earth, Debbie Sunde (Bill Abbott) of Madison, Theresa (Bob) Lippert of Park City, Utah, Sandy (Ron) Schultz of Verona, and Becky (Troy)) Koeller of Spring Green; nine grandchildren, Jason and Jarrid Kopras, Jesse Cavins, Eric LaCoursiere, Kristen and Michael Lippert, Jenny Hansen Lewis, Greg Hansen, Amber and Stacy Schultz; three great-grandchildren, McKenna, Maliya and Madalyne; special friend, Barb Pagel; a brother, Edmund Kopras, three sisters, Mary Byczek, Helen Kopras and Christine Bossany. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; a brother, Edward; and a sister, Geraldine. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Merrimac, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2009 with Father Faustino Ruiz officiating. Burial will be in St. Barnabas Cemetery, Mazomanie. Friends may call at HOOVERSON FUNERAL HOME, 251 Water St., Sauk City, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2009.