William L. Kopecko

William L. Kopecko, age 86, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away peacefully Monday morning, Jan.8, 2024, at Hospice House Port Charlotte.

William battled dementia since being diagnosed in 2020.

He was born Sept. 5, 1937, in Ironwood, Mich., the son of Lloyd and Emily (Lindberg) Kopecko. He graduated from Luther L. Wright High School and attended Gogebic Community College, both in Ironwood. He moved to Rhinelander and opened Nissan/Honda/Toyota, Northgate GM car dealerships, as well as developing Timber Heights subdivision.

He later donated Timber Heights subdivision to the City of Rhinelander.

William met his soulmate, Beverly Weight, in 1989, and they married on Nov. 26, 1993. The couple sold the car dealerships in 2003. William loved flying his many airplanes through the years, raising, training and showing golden retrievers, boating, golfing and riding his Honda motorcycle with friends.

William is survived by his wife Beverly Kopecko, daughter Karyn Kopecko, brother Chuck (Julie) Kopecko, stepchildren Greg (Linda) Weight, Robert (Karen) Weight, and Pamela Saari; grandchildren Ben (Lindsay) Weight, Nic (Jackie) Weight, Jeremy Weight, Breana Weight, fur baby granddaughter Cuddles Saari; seven great-grandchildren, as well as numerous special friends that became family.

William was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Peter.

William’s family will hold a memorial service at Our Lady Miraculous Medal Church on Pine Island at a later date in his honor. They would like to thank Dr. Monge, ICU nurse Chris at Faucett Memorial Hospital, as well as all the wonderful, compassionate nursing staff at the Hospice House who made his transition to our Lord a compassionate and peaceful transition.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.tributes.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to support the A.S.P.C.A. and the Dementia Society.