Carol Jean Copsey 91, passed away peacefully at Bethany St Joseph Care Center Thursday April 24th 2025.

Carol was born to Carl & Inga Panke on July 3rd, 1933. She graduated from Central High School in 1951. Married Robert Copsey on May 9th, 1953. She was a self employed entrepreneur owning her own yarn, quilting and embroidery business for 45 years and recently retired at the age of 90.

Carol enjoyed many creative activities, some of her favorites included hand knitting, working on her circular knitting machine, felting, making socks, scarves, wall hangings, quilts, card making and a love of baking lots and lots of treats. Which she generously gave as gifts to many of her family, friends, neighbors, mailman and charitable organizations. She was a longtime member of a quilting group called the Artbirds, where she enjoyed her friends and the sharing of their many handmade projects.

Carol was a lifetime member of Ruth Chapter #23 Order of the Eastern Star – a Masonic affiliated Charitable Organization for Women and Men. She was honored to serve many positions within the organization over the years.

She was a 40 year breast cancer survivor and an avid supporter of Steppin Out In Pink.

Carol was the Matriarch of the Freebird Group, originally created in honor of her grandson Travis who passed away. Supporting and becoming an honorary life member of the Westby Marching Band for 25 years providing them with a pizza party for their band review each fall.

Carol is survived by her children Jeff Copsey, Mike (Trink) Copsey, Laurie (Glenn) Soffa.  5 Grandchildren Jason (Janis) Copsey, Jessica Copsey, Austin (Bobbi) Copsey, Ryan (Dani) Soffa, Kelly (Josh) Sackmaster. 4 Great Grandchildren Haylee Luhman, Issayah (Tanni) Copsey, Layla Muri, Capri Copsey. A brother Ron (Mary) Panke, Goddaughter Tammy Bakalars and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Carl & Inga Panke, her husband Robert Copsey, Grandson Travis Copsey, Son-in-law Steve Soffa, Brother-in-law Ron Copsey, Sister-in-law Elaine Copsey and Nephew Paul Copsey.

Family wishes to Thank the staff of Mayo Health system and the Bethany St Joseph teams for their compassionate care given to our mom during her stay.

Her celebration of life will be held Friday, May 2nd, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street Onalaska WI.  Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.

If you have any stories or experiences with Carol we will be having a time to share.

Private burial will be held in the Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Cemetery.