Karl Kopmanis, 87 years, of Monroe, MI passed away Thursday, March 10, 2011 at Mercy Memorial Hospital in Monroe. He had been a resident of The Lutheran Home in Monroe since March of 2005.
Karl was born February 11, 1924 in Engure, Latvia, the son of the late John and Pauline (Latrer) Kopmanis. Karl attended school in Latvia and was a graduate of Tukums High School in Latvia.  Karl moved to Monroe on May 14, 1950 from Germany and became a US citizen in November 1957.
Karl was employed by La-Z-Boy for 28 years; 14 years as an upholsterer and 14 years as a supervisor at the Weiss Factory in Monroe. Karl then went to work for Ford Motor Company in Milan where he worked as a machinist and an assembler for 13 years until his retirement in January 1991. Karl also worked as a part time butcher for Food Basket in Monroe.
Karl was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroe, the UAW, the Germania Club in Brownstown Township and AARP. Karl enjoyed fishing, gardening, especially his lawn, Polka music, dancing and automobiles.
Karl is survived by 2 sons; Erik I. Kopmanis of Erie, MI and John (Sara) Kopmanis of Monroe, 5 cherished grandchildren; Jeff, Mike, Rick, Gale, and Maija, 7 treasured great grandchildren, 2 sisters; Vilma Veinberga and Marta Ozolina both of Latvia.
Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., in Monroe. On Monday, March 14, 2011 he will lie in state at Trinity Lutheran Church from 10:00 AM until funeral services celebrating his life at 11:00 AM. The Rev. Bruce Crabtree will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church.