Michael W. Kopejka

Duncan — Michael Wayne Kopejka, 60, of Duncan, formerly of O'Neill, died Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 18, 2023 at the First Presbyterian Church in O'Neill. Pastor Dean Seger will officiate.

Burial will be in the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Michael was born in O'Neill on Sept. 10, 1962 to Norman and Bonney (Lawrence) Kopejtka. He was baptized into the Body of Christ at Christ Lutheran Church on Dec. 23, 1962. Michael attended O'Neill High School, graduating in 1981.

He worked for H & H farming in rural Wheeler County, and later National Farms in Atkinson before moving to Duncan in 1994. Michael worked as a welding specialist at Husker Steel in Columbus for 21 years.

Michael loved being outdoors and was an ATV enthusiast. He also enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing.  

In his younger years, Michael was a member of the Holt County Archery Club.

Michael is survived by two stepdaughters Betty Bright and Tracy (Lonnie) Carlson, both of Pierce, his ex-wife Jessie Pendergrass of Pierce, eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, one brother Mark Kopejtka (William Schuler) of Sioux Falls, SD; one sister Mary (Ron) Boettcher of Stuart and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father John Smith and one niece.