Gary Paul Copus

BOSCOBEL - Gary Paul Copus, age 81, was welcomed into eternal peace on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Gundersen Boscobel Hospital.

Gary was born on July 23, 1942, to Raymond and Ruby (née Gander) Copus. He graduated from Boscobel High School in 1960 and shortly thereafter married the absolute love of his life, the late Collette Lynn Copus, on November 14, 1964. As true as love could be, Gary met Collette at the gates of Heaven only 5 days after their 59^th wedding anniversary.

Gary worked as an incredibly skilled and fiercely loyal butcher, seeing his employer change hands from Gudie Grocery Store to Dick’s Supermarket to Piggly Wiggly before retiring after more than 50 years. Gary had a heart of gold and, in his younger years, was always involved in his two sons’, Stuart Ray Copus and Kevin Charles Copus, many activities—even coaching little league baseball. One of the games he treasured was a softball tournament where he played on the same team with them. Gary enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Philadelphia 76ers.

In his later years, he was more than excited to watch his grandchildren Capriana Hadel (née Copus) take the lead in her musicals, and Cahleel Copus take the field as a standout football player. He also expressed his joy in playing with his great-grandchildren, Reece and Theodor Hadel. More recently, at his nursing home he enjoyed bingo, listening to local musicians, watching his westerns on television, and savoring a root beer float.

Gary was a kind, gentle, patient, and selfless person with a sense of humor that rivaled any. He loved ketchup, sweet treats, his paper, his police scanner, and, of course, his family. He will be missed more than words can say.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Collette Lynn Copus; parents, Raymond and Ruby (née Gander) Copus; and one sister, Charlotte Fortney.

Gary is survived by his two sons, Stuart Copus and wife Trina of Madison, and Kevin Copus (Marlene Mook) of Boscobel; two grandchildren, Capriana Hadel and husband Joshua of Oneida, and Cahleel Copus and wife Emma of Bangor; and great-grandsons, Reece and Theodor Hadel of Oneida.

Our family would like to thank the staff of Boscobel Care and Rehab as well as the staff of Gundersen Boscobel Hospital for caring for Gary.

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring of 2024 at the Tuffley Community Center in Boscobel, Wisconsin. More details will be shared at a later date. The Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore, Wisconsin is handling the arrangements. Sympathy cards and gifts can be sent to Kevin Copus at 1604 Wisconsin Avenue Boscobel, Wisconsin, 53805.