David “Jay” Walsh
David “Jay” Walsh, age 88, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Friday, August 14, 2020, surrounded by loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Phin and Lila Walsh; sisters and their husbands, Lovisa & Herman Freytag & Gail & Ron White; two grandchildren, Krista & Jonathon Zylstra. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Eleanor (Reed) Walsh; his seven children, Doug (Deborah) Walsh, Linda (Brian) Zylstra, Debra (George) Collins, Phillip (Becky) Walsh, Sheryl (Dave) Marshall, Shelley Barker, Diane (Dave) Ford; 41 grandchildren (with many others who called him grandpa); 77 great grandchildren (with more on the way!); brother, Martin (Sue) Walsh, and his beloved dog, Millie. Jay loved his childhood home in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and was raised in a one room log cabin, the oldest of 4 children. That is where he got his love of fishing, hunting, and gardening! He graduated from Newberry High School, Grand Rapids Baptist College & Seminary and Wheaton College. He received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Cornerstone University. While starting the Lakeview Baptist Church, he felt the Lord calling him to East Pakistan. He gave his life to the Lord serving faithfully for 35 years as a missionary to East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. He loved his work among the tribal people of the Chittagong Hill tracks. He was truly a “jack-of-all-trades” which included being a linguist (learning three different languages) and a translator (using his talents to translate the New Testament and a song book for the Tipperah tribe). Jay was also a prolific writer, authoring eight books, numerous articles and stories for Christian publications, as well as keeping a daily journal/diary for 61 years. He was well known and respected for his work (on behalf of the mission) with diplomats and top officials from several countries. After his retirement, he raised a significant amount of money for a multitude of ministry projects all over the world. He was also known for his generosity and helping out those in need. Through his work and world-wide travels, he became well-known and very loved by so many people. No one was ever a stranger to him! He really enjoyed playing his harmonica with a special group of friends every Monday afternoon and occasionally could be found playing it on a bench at the Knapp Corner Meijer. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who regularly communicated with his family and prayed daily for them. He had a great sense of humor that we all enjoyed. He always said, “I am going to live right up to the end” and he did! Visitation was held Tuesday, August 18 from 6 – 8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service was Wednesday 11:00 am at Oakhill Church, 1930 Leonard St. Grand Rapids, MI. Visitation began at 10:00 am. Pastor Jeff Carlson officiating. Interment will be at East Lakefield Township Cemetery in McMillan this Saturday, August 22 at 2 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to LIVE Global, P.O. Box 8585, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
Dorothy “Dottie” Jean Kopera
Former Newberry resident, Dorothy “Dottie” Jean Kopera, 70, of Interlochen, died suddenly Wednesday morning August 5, 2020 at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital. Dottie was born June 24, 1950 in Croswell, daughter of the late Arthur and Vera (Black) Grubba. Dottie earned her Associates Degree in accounting and her Licensed Practical Nurse certification. She was employed as a LPN at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital and private practices for several years until her retirement. While residing in Newberry, she was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church. Dottie was an avid golfer and member of the Newberry Country Club playing in the golf leagues. She also took great pride in her hole in one in 2000 during the Tahquamenon Education Foundation Golf fundraiser. While residing in Interlochen, she was a member of the Interlochen Golf Club playing in the golf leagues. She also enjoyed quilting, knitting and reading. In addition to her parents, Dottie is preceded in death by her sister Rita Grubba, sister-in-law Gloria Grubba and nephew Brett Grubba. Survivors include her loving husband, Paul D. Kopera of Interlochen, whom she married August 14, 1971 in Newberry; sons Daniel (Ashley) Kopera of Memphis, Tennessee and David Kopera of Arcadia, Michigan; grandchildren Wolfgang and Hannah; siblings Mary “Fran” (Bob) Edwards of Newberry, Robert “Bud” Grubba of Newberry and Kathryn (Dennis) Williams of Newberry; several nieces and nephews. Per her request, cremation services were accorded. A gathering of family and friends celebrating the life of Dottie will take place Saturday August 22, 2020 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 6th Street, Traverse City, Michigan 49684 with a prayer service following at 4:00 pm. In Dottie’s memory, memorials may be directed to the Helen Newberry Joy Hospital Foundation, 502 West Harrie Street, Newberry, Michigan 49868, Attn: Accounting. Please reference in the memo “Dottie Kopera” with your memorial. Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com or by visiting her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
