Chester H. Kopec
Chester H. Kopec, 91, of Columbia, died May 9, 2015, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Belleville.

He was born April 3, 1924, in East St. Louis, son of the late Charles and Mary Kopec (nee Tarczon).

He was married to Lillian Kopec (nee Sander); she survives him. They were married Nov. 4, 1950, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia, Fr. John Schroeder officiating.

Chester was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where he had been the men’s choir director for more than 35 years; Knights of Columbus Council 1334 – 4th Degree, where he had been a past Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator; and Knights of Columbus Council 6165 – 4th Degree, where he had been a past Grand Knight.

He was also a member of Columbia Gymnastic Association, St. Louis Metro Polka Club, American Legion Post 581, where he had been a past commander, the Polish-American War Veterans and a former member of the Polish American War Veteran’s Honor Guard.

He had served in the U.S. Army, and was a veteran of World War II.

Chester was also a local musician, having played with the Tune Twisters and the Polka Spots.

He retired from the Ethyl Corporation, Sauget.

Survivors include his wife; daughter Patricia Pettet of Hanahan, S.C., son Steven (Connie) Kopec of Columbia; grandchildren Erin (Matt) Ellis, and Graham and Jordan Pettet; and great-grandchildren Landon and Emma Ellis; along with other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Frances (Anthony) Bargiel.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 14, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Lawlor Funeral Home, Columbia.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, May 15, at 10 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Columbia, with Fr. Carl Scherrer officiating.

Interment will follow at Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery, Columbia.

As an expression of sympathy, the family prefers memorial contributions to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Building Fund, 411 Palmer Road Columbia, IL 62236; Eugene Schorb Immaculate Conception School Education Fund; or in the form of Masses.