John W. “Bill” Kopetski, 72, beloved husband and dad, passed away peacefully December 11, 2014. A Memorial service will be held Friday, December 19th at 11:00am at Holy Spirit Catholic Parish with Father Dick Schlosser officiating.

Bill was born January 22, 1942 to John and Alta Kopetski in Great Falls. In March of 1968 he married Jeannette Parker in Helena. Together they raised seven children: his, hers, and ours. Bill was an avid fly fisherman with other hobbies like welding, hunting, armchair quarterbacking for the Griz and carpentry. He was an all-around “handy man” who loved pawn shops and the “art of the deal”!

He worked as a partner of Howard’s Pizza for over 45 years before retiring in 2007. His hobby of working on his cabin then became his fulltime job. He loved life and people, and engaged in conversation with anyone who would talk to him. His life revolved around supporting his family, who never ceased to entertain him, and he didn’t mind the fact that he was always outnumbered by the women.

Our Bill was a multifaceted man, full of charisma. He loved to tell stories - some of which might actually be true - and had an eternal smile and a robust laugh that will never be forgotten.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jeannette; son, Mark (Rose) Finlayson of Irvine KY; daughters, Tami (Bob) Gazzero of Riverton UT, Katrina (Todd) Ramstead of Lolo MT, Jackie Finlayson-Kelley of Great Falls, Lisa (Paul) Pavao of Palm Dessert CA, Angela (Greg) Wires of Huntsville AL, and Teresa (Mike) Loftus of Great Falls; 21 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and ten grand-puppies; as well as his brother, Don “Duke” Kopetski of Stockton CA; sisters, Claudia “Brat”, Myra “Mickey”, both of Great Falls, and Marcia of Rapid City SD; along with several nieces and nephews, special sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Alta, and a sister, Leona Mae.

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