Judith Ann (Thiry) Kopotic, 87, of Manitowoc, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, at Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her family.
Judith “Judy” was born July 9, 1938, in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, the daughter of John Sr. and Leone Thiry. She graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School, Class of 1956. On July 29, 1961, she married Walter Kopotic at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manitowoc. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and love.
Judy was employed for many years with The Manitowoc Company. She later devoted herself to caring for her grandchildren, Jessica and Jack Herman, and honorary grandchildren Lindsey and Austin Tess. Her nurturing spirit and deep love for family were evident in everything she did.
A loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great‑grandmother, Judy was known for her kindness, warm heart, and unwavering Christian faith. She was deeply involved in her church, serving as a Eucharistic minister, scripture reader, confirmation and religious education teacher, and sponsor to many students. She also volunteered frequently at the Hope House, reflecting her lifelong commitment to helping others.
Judy found joy in dancing, playing games, and spending time with family and friends. She loved to socialize and brought laughter, compassion, and light into every room she entered. She will be remembered for her loving nature, her sense of humor, and the genuine care she showed to all who knew her.
She is survived by her children: Lee (Gretchen) Kopotic of Sun Prairie; Lisa (Don) Herman of Manitowoc; Lori (Jeff) Sisto of Florence, WI; and Rick (Tammy) Kopotic of Sun Prairie; her brother Pat (Sue) Thiry of Colorado; and her sister-in-law, Carol Thiry of Milwaukee. Judy’s legacy continues through her grandchildren: Samuel (Bella) Kopotic, Katherine Kopotic, Christopher Kopotic, Jessica and Jack Herman, Joshua DeLange, Hannah (Nathan) VanderMause, Nolan Sisto, Josey (Patrick) Wagner, Alicia (Jase) Bakker; and her great‑granddaughter, Bindi Wagner.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; her father & mother in-law, Victoria and Robert Kopotic Sr., two infant children, James and Julie; her siblings John (Jack) Thiry Jr. and Ellen Wangberg; brothers‑in‑law Art Wangberg, Melvin Kopotic, James Kopotic, and Robert Kopotic Jr; sister‑in‑law Carol Dondlinger; niece Patricia Hansen; and other beloved family members.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. May 20, 2026 with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi on Marshall Street, Manitowoc. Rev. Doug LeCaptain will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial of her cremated remains will take place at Calvary Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life at City Limits Banquet Hall.
The family extends special thanks to Dr. Michael Hoffman, Dr. Fuchs, Dr. Patel, the staff at Shady Lane Nursing Care Center, the first‑floor neighbors at Laurel Grove Assisted Living, the caregivers at Holy Family Memorial Medical Center, and Lakeland Care for their compassionate care. Also, a special thank you to Kirstie at Shady Lane for her support and advocacy during Judy’s stay.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.”
— Matthew 25:23
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Judy’s name to the Hope House of Manitowoc, www.hopehousemc.org.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.
