Raymond "Ray" E. Copp

Raymond "Ray" Elmer Copp died Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at the age of 84 at Villa Marina Health & Rehab Center in Superior after a 3 week stay. He was born in Brule, WI on December 14, 1932 to Armas and Helen (Hakkila) Copp.

While in the area, he attended the Waino, Brule and Iron River schools. His love of music began in his youth, learning both the accordion and drums. He enjoyed numerous years performing as a duo with Ernie Ronn and the band "White Lightening", where they were weekend regulars at The Green Top in Iron River. He drummed in jam sessions with local musicians and family, with his last "gig" in February of 2017.

He met Jean Beaudry through school and the two married on October 22, 1949 in Carlton, MN. The couple had been married 54 years before her passing on November 21, 2003.

Ray worked in the woods from 1949 to 1954 and then bought his own milk truck working 7 days a week for months on end. He sold that in 1963 and became a gravel truck driver. Throughout the majority of his life he owned cows and ran a small farm with the help of Jean and the kids. Pa's weekend nights were consumed by stock car racing, following his son Don for 34 years. He truly enjoyed being with his grandchildren, whether it was just a visit, the goodies they baked him, watching them playing sports or participating in the Douglas County Beef Association Steer auction.

Ray is survived by two daughters, Vicky (Joel) Ward, Pine City, MN and Michelle "Shelli" (Todd) Meteraud, Brule, WI; four sons, Dale (Lori), Doug, Don (Candy) all of Brule, WI and Duke (Angie) from De Pere, WI; nineteen grandchildren, Mike, Mark, Jill, Tammy, John, Kasey, Dustin, Jenni, Kristi, Taylor, Brittany, Brandon, Cody, Cassy, Brady, Dillon, Haley, Emma and Macy; fifteen great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren and special family friends, Anne Dooley and Diane Eggen.

He's preceded in death by wife Jean, infant daughter Kandis, son Kenneth “Ken” in 2008, daughters-in-law Midge (Ken) in 1988 and Kathy (Doug) in 2010, his brother Jim, "Jimbo", and sister-in-law Marlene.

We would like to thank Linda Wick and Lynn Bergal for the many years of medical attention and friendship they offered dad. He thought the world of the ladies and we want to recognize them for always being available to both dad and us. Ray's family would also like to extend a heartfelt and appreciative thank you to Julie Mackey for her assistance in making it possible for dad to remain at his home. For all the care, rides, tasks, errands and company you provided, we are truly grateful.

Please join Ray's family for a visitation/memorial service at the Brule Town Hall on Maple Street in Brule, WI on Sunday, August 20, 2017 beginning at 11:00 AM with lunch to follow. Per Ray's wishes, no flowers please.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.