Obituary of Thomas Joseph Schopen

November 20, 1938- February 4, 2013 Thomas Joseph Schopen (aka � The Happy Hooker�/�Big Daddy�), age 74, of Whitewater, WI went to be with his bride on Monday, February 4, 2013 at the Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek,Wisconsin. Tom was born in Watertown, Wisconsin on November 20, 1938 the son of Julius and Maragret (Biwer) Schopen. He graduated from Jefferson High School in1957. Tom started Schopen Automotive Service in 1962. He became a member of the Whitewater Fire Department in 1966, Rescue Captain in 1971 and proudly served his community for over 46 years. Tom was one of the founding members of the Whitewater Optimist Club. He also proudly served on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Towing Association for many years. Tom loved spending time in Hawaii and Minocqua with his wife along with spending time with his grandchildren and his fish fry family. On August 7, 1970, Tom married the love of his life, Judy M. Christenson, at the First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Judy preceded him in death on January 19, 2011. Surviving are: Daughters:Tomi (David) Schaitel, Janesville, WI, Jona (Fianc�: Kelly Freeman) Schopen, Janesville, WI, and Cindy (Tim) Krueger, New London, WI, Grandchildren: Terry, Ryan (Caroline), Chelsea (Tim), Tyler, Abby, Brody, and Kendyl, Siblings: Ken (Ione) Schopen, Fort Atkinson, WI, Janet Hansen, FL, Barb (Robert) Speck, IL, Nick (Lynn) Schopen, Jefferson, WI, Jack (Nancy) Schopen, Jefferson, WI, David (Jean) Schopen, Jefferson, WI, Ann (Russ) Ganzow, Fort Atkinson, Mark (Linda) Schopen, Jefferson, WI and Mike Schopen, Jefferson, WI. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Judy, his brother Richard and his sister Donna. Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 11, 2013, at 12:00 PM at Randy�s Supper Club, 841 E. Milwaukee St., Whitewater,WI with Rev. Jerald Wendt officiating with luncheon to follow. Private burial will be in the Richmond Cemetery, Town of Richmond, Wisconsin. Friends may call after 9AM on Monday, February 11, 2013 at Randy�s Supper Club, Whitewater, WI until the time of the services. The family requests that memorials in lieu of flowers may be made ONLY to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, or to Rainbow Hospice of Jefferson,WI. (Although you are gone, we know you are with Mom once again together in your forever paradise. Love you both so much. See you on the flip side. Med 1- 10-42.) The Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, WI is assisting the family.