Walter Kopp Obituary

Longtime Paxson resident Walter W. Kopp, 83, went quietly to be with the Lord on April 2, 2008, at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital with his loving wife of 52 years, Dorris, at his side. Walter was born June 28, 1924, in New York City, to Valentine and Margaret Kopp. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942, and served 18 months in the South Pacific. After his discharge he followed his dream to Alaska.

His original plans to search for gold were soon put on the back burner so he struck out into the construction trade. Walt’s ingenuity and determination served him well in maintaining equipment and building trails and roads in remote Alaska. He served 26 years with the Alaska Road Commission and Department of Transportation.

During this time Walt met the love of his life, Dorris, and they were married on Nov. 8, 1954. After residing in Delta Junction for many years, upon his retirement in 1986, Walt and Dorris moved to their summer home in Paxson, and made it their full time residence. They had recently moved to Fairbanks for medical care.

Walt was always an avid outdoorsman engaged in hunting, fishing, and mining. He was also a talented builder, fabricator, and inventor.

Walt’s greatest love was his family. His love,knowledge, and wisdom will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A devoted advocate of Boy Scouts and Pioneers of Alaska, Walt touched the hearts of everyone he met. His stories and perseverance will be missed by all who knew him.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Val; and son, Fred.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dorris; daughter, Lorraine; grandchildren, Heidi, Candy, David, Walter and Lisa; 11 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and numerous friends.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 6 p.m., Friday, April 11, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Delta Junction with a potluck to follow.

The Pioneers of Alaska and Loyal Order of Moose will hold a memorial service and celebration of life at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 13, at Moose Lodge 911 in Delta Junction.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church in Fairbanks at a later date. Arrangements were by Fairbanks Funeral Home and Crematory.