Obituary
Carol Jean Copsey
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.
To view her memorial video click this link: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/KPFMNCNZXQ3NXJY6?e=1
So sorry about the loss of your sweet Carol. I enjoyed her warm smile, her welcoming me in to her home to enjoy afternoon visits, her creativity, seeing her generosity with donating all of those amazing, colorful scarves! She was such a delightful person! Your family was blessed to have her!
Our deepest sympathy to Mike and Trink on your loss. Your Mom certainly lived a full and beautiful life ❤️
Carol was a kind, warm, thoughtful and most loving person. I feel so grateful to have known her and to know her wonderful family. Our condolences to her family. She will be very missed.
Such a lovely lady with many gifts to share, mostly her heart. So many talents that blessed many. May God hold her in His Arms and bring her to everlasting life, AMEN.
So very saddened to learn of your Mothers passing. I only met her once but always remembered her kindness. I know she meant to world to you. Take care,
Van and Kathy Cowden
One of the best. Look at the friendships that can happen just because you hold up a “Play Freebyrd” sign during the Maple Leaf Parade. Very thankful that you did. Blessings to all.
Deepest sympathies to Mike and Trink. Your mom will be missed.
Maxine Althoff
Sorry for your loss. Carol was an inspiration for our local quilters!
Laurie & Family- We are so sorry for the loss of your Mom, Carol. She was a wonderful customer of ours for many, many years. She even restitched some uniform tops so we could reuse them 🙂 Carol was a wonderful lady. God bless your family.
Carol was a very giving person and I feel blessed for her friendship.
She taught me many life lessons.
Carol will be missed deeply. I was lucky to have met her. She found me at a craft sale selling socks – and I had my sock machine with me. She asked me many questions and we exchanged numbers. She called a friend of hers and they both bought sock machines and we started a wonderful group- through which I also got to know Laurie! Carol was such a kind person, always smiling! Craft on! So sorry for you loss Laurie and Condolences to family. She will be missed.
I’m so sorry for your loss, I know she will be dearly missed.
Our heart felt sympathy goes out to Carol’s family and we are truly sorry for your loss. Carol’s special soul will be remembered for so many reasons. She continuously demonstrated putting others needs and well-being before her own. Her spirit always filled with kindness and compassion. We are grateful to have had her in our lives and she will be missed. Rest in peace.
Sherry Mehlhoff & George Estrada
Carol was amazingly creative and generous …..always something stitched, embroidered, knit, crocheted, etc. gifted with love to each one of her quite large family. Even special requests filled like the denim pillows she crafted from my old Budweiser logoed jeans. Truly my Sister-in-Law was one of God’s treasures.