Memorial services for Phil will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2017, at Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Public visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m., on Friday, July 14, 2017, at Mitchell Family Funeral Home where Phil’s family will be present to greet friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Phil’s name to his family who will later designate donations to different organizations that Phil cherished. For further information or to send a condolence please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call (641) 844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Phil and his family.

Phillip Lawrence Kopel was born on October 19, 1949, in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of Lawrence “Chub” and Mary Ann (Schoborg) Kopel. He was a 1967 graduate of Lenihan High School. Phil was a hardworking man, dedicating 43 years at Fisher Controls before retiring on July 1, 2010. He was a proud member of the UAW. Phil had many passions in life; he was an avid Green Bay Packer and New York Yankees fan. He also enjoyed deer hunting and watching NASCAR, his favorite driver being Dale Earnhardt. Phil was also very devoted to his pets and actively supported many animal welfare activities.

Left to cherish Phil’s memory are his siblings: Stephen (Kathy) Kopel, Larry (Cindi) Kopel and Carla (Mark) Goettsch; several nieces and nephews, as well as his four-legged companions: Rado and Mitzi.

He is preceded in death by his father, Lawrence in 1992 and his mother, Mary Ann in 2004.