Andrea Popko

VISITATION:

9:30 - 11 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2016 at Central Lutheran Church, 28 E. Columbia St.

SERVICE:

11 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2016 at Central Lutheran Church, 28 E. Columbia St.

Andrea L. Popko, 65, of the town of Lafayette, Chippewa Falls, died unexpectedly Monday, October 17, 2016 at her residence.

She was born March 20, 1951 in Laona, Wis. to John and Evelyn (Schultz) Milak. She graduated from Laona High School in 1969 as class salutatorian. After high school she attended UW-Eau Claire and graduated magna cum laude in 1973 with a degree in social work.

Andrea met the love of her life, Stanley Popko in 1972, and they were married November 3, 1973 at Sacred Heart Chapel in Eau Claire. They lived in the midwest where Andrea worked various social work positions before moving to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In 1991 she obtained her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Iowa.

They moved back to Chippewa Falls in 1993 where Andrea worked as a therapist for the Chippewa County Guidance Clinic, then Marshfield Clinic, and most recently the VA Clinic. At the VA Clinic she oversaw many homeless veteran's programs, and her door was always open to her vets. Her retirement date was set for October 28, 2016, which she was greatly looking forward to spending time with Stan and her family.

Andrea was adored by her husband, children, and grandchildren. She gave excellent hugs and enjoyed playing 'pirates and mermaids' and attending her grandchildren's soccer games. She had a special way of making everyone around her feel special and loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Evelyn.

Andrea is survived by her husband of 43 years, Stanley; children, Katie (Andy) Peper of Blaine, Minn., and Jon Popko (Michael Grewe) of Minneapolis, Minn.; grandchildren, Faith, Lyla and Owen Peper; brother, John (Pam) Milak of Fla.; and many beloved and extended relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2016 at Central Lutheran Church, 28 E. Columbia St., Chippewa Falls with Rev. Aaron Sturgis officiating. Interment will be held at a later date in Laona, Wis.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Friday at church.

In lieu of flowers memorial are preferred to Feed My People Food Bank, Eau Claire or the Ray Helgerson Scholarship Fund at Central Lutheran Church.