Lester S. Kopp

Lester Simon Kopp, age 98, of North Mankato, died Thursday, September 22, 2022, at Oak Terrace Assisted Living, North Mankato.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, North Mankato. Visitation will be one hour before service on Wednesday at the church. Interment with military honors will be in Calvary Cemetery, St. Peter. Northview – North Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Lester was born January 8, 1924, to Simon and Clara (Weltsch) Kopp in New Ulm, MN. He attended several country schools in the area graduating from the eighth grade in LeSueur Co. in 1937. He worked as a farm hand until starting employment at the St. Peter State Hospital, becoming a supervisor for 21 years. He retired in 1986, after 41 years of employment.

Lester served his country with the U. S. Marines as a rifle range instructor. While stationed near San Diego, he met his future bride and married Violet Weese on June 10, 1946. After her death on May 28, 1996, he married Leola Sontag on June 2, 1998. Lester was a member of the Kasota American Legion Post #348 since 1950 serving as Vice-Commander, Adjutant, finance officer, and over 20 years as their chaplain. He was also a life-time member of the Knights of Columbus since 1994. He enjoyed traveling, dancing, fishing, and playing cards.

Lester is survived by his two children, John Kopp of Mankato and Ann Marie Kopp of Rosemount; his wife, Leola Sontag of North Mankato and her five children, Drs. Michael and Sandra Sontag, David Sontag, LeeAnn Hagen, Drs. Terese and Terry Olson, and Elizabeth Bjorklund; step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; special cousin, Roger (Kathy) Wellman; many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Lester was preceded in death by his first wife of almost 50 years, Violet; his parents; infant sister; three sisters, Gladys (Dalton) O’Rear, Marilyn (George) Schmidt, and Elizabeth Karnowski.