Curtis John (Jack) Koppel, age 92, was born in Franklin, Pennsylvania on June 22, 1926, to Frederick and Elizabeth Koppel. Jack went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on February 16, 2019 at Cottage in the Meadow, Yakima, Washington.
Jack spent his childhood in Franklin graduating from Franklin High School in 1945, where he served as class president. Jack served in the US Army from 1945 to 1946. He married his high school sweetheart, Lila Catherine (Kay) Adams, April 13, 1946. Their three children were born in Franklin. They left Pennsylvania and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1953. Jack and Kay were members of the United Methodist Church. Jack was an Eagle Scout and served as a scout leader in Albuquerque. In 1960 the family moved to San Diego, California where Jack worked as a technical writer, often working on classified government projects. Jack retired in 1988 and then moved to McMinnville, Oregon and then Yakima, Washington before returning to San Diego. They have been in Yakima the past four years at Living Care Retirement Community.
Fishing with his brother Dick in McMinnville was his delight. He had a passion for researching family ancestry. Jack and Kay enjoyed traveling. Their favorite vacation spot was Hawaii. They especially liked to spend time with their son Curtis in Mexico and Santa Cruz. They loved being with their kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.
Jack is survived by his wife of 72 years, Kay of Yakima; sons, Curtis (Marianne) Koppel of Santa Cruz, CA, and Ray (Linda) Koppel of Casa Grande, AZ; and daughter Patty (Jim) Dobbie of Yakima. Jack is also survived by his younger sister, June Moore of Albuquerque, NM. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Heather (Rick) Valtee, Thornton (Theresa) Koppel, Corinne Koppel, James Dobbie, Rachel (Mike) Hawkins, and Jared (Tara) Dobbie; 12 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, and 3 older brothers and their spouses, Carl and Betty, Dick and Millie, and Fran and Peg Koppel.
A Memorial service will be held Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in Meyer Auditorium at Living Care Retirement Community, 215 North 40th Avenue, Yakima, WA.
Our family thanks the care givers and staff at Living Care Retirement Community, Memorial/Virginia Mason Hospital and Cottage in the Meadow for the great care they provided for Dad. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Cottage in the Meadow, Yakima, WA.
