Thomas Kopriva

Thomas Kopriva

Thomas Louis Kopriva, 70, of Clutier, IA, passed away on June 8, 2021, at his home while under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice. He fought a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 14, 2021, at Saint Paul Catholic Church in Traer, IA, at 10:30 AM, with Father David Kucera officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery near Vining. The visitation will be Sunday, June 13, 2021, from 4-6 PM at Overton Funeral Home, Traer, IA.

Tom was born on January 18, 1951, in Waterloo, IA, to Alfred and Maxine (Prusha) Kopriva. He attended Clutier Grade School and graduated in 1969 from North Tama High School in Traer. He worked at John Deere in Waterloo before becoming a pipefitter by trade. He worked for Blackhawk Sprinklers, Vrban Fire and Iowa Fire before retiring from Summit Fire Protection. Tom married Judy Benda on June 25, 1983, at Saint Patrick Church in Tama, IA. They raised their 3 children on their family farm in rural Clutier. Tom enjoyed hunting mushrooms, fishing and raising Gelbvieh cattle and dairy goats. He always looked forward to time spent at the County and State Fairs. Additional favorite past-times include visiting with family and friends and talking about his worldly travels. Most of all he treasured his children and grandchildren.

Tom is survived by his wife Judy, of Clutier; daughter, Paula (Justin) Messner of Hayes, VA; sons, Anthony (Rachael) Kopriva of Clutier and Pete (Ashley) Kopriva of Lone Tree, IA; grandchildren, Taylor, Camden, Adrian and Ava Messner, Henry Kopriva and Rhett and Brayden Kopriva with the eighth grandchild expected in August. He is also survived by 3 brothers; Gerry of Clutier; Jim (Sandi) of Clutier; and John of Traer; uncles, Hubert (Donna) Kopriva of Belmond, IA and Paul Prusha of Amana, IA; aunts, Marjorie Kriz of Dysart and Mary Lou Prusha of Tama; along with many nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; aunts and uncles Lillian and Wilbert Meinhart, Theresa Prusha, Floyd Prusha and Robert Kriz; and a sister-in-law, Bonnie Kopriva.

Memorials may be made to Cedar Valley Hospice or Iowa Junior Gelbvieh Association.