Father Joseph R. Coopmans, O. Praem., age 62, a member of the Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere, WI, and a Norbertine priest, passed into God's eternal kingdom on June 2, 2013 Father Coopmans was born on July 19, 1950, in Green Bay, WI, to Lloyd and Elaine (Du Fresne) Coopmans. His home parish was Nativity of Our Lord, Green Bay, WI. In 1968, Father Coopmans graduated from Ashwaubenon High School, Green Bay, WI. He received a B.A. degree in Community Science from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, in 1972. Father did his Theological studies at Louvain University, Louvain, Belgium and received his M. Div. in Theology in 1978 from Loyola University, Chicago, IL. He received his M. Ed. in 1987 from Boston College, Boston, MA. Upon entering St. Norbert Abbey, he was vested as a novice on August 27, 1972. He professed Simple Vows on December 8, 1973, Solemn Vows on August 28, 1979 and was ordained to the Priesthood on August 29, 1981. Father Coopmans served on the faculty at Premontre High School, Green Bay, WI for ten years prior to being assigned as Associate Pastor at St. Joseph Parish, Madison, WI in 1988. He served as Pastor of Annunciation Parish, Green Bay, WI; Administrator at St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, Tisch Mills and Norman, WI; and as Pastor of St. John, Gillett, St. Michael's, Suring, and Chute Lake Station, WI. Father Coopmans is survived by the Norbertine Community; two brothers, Randall (Cindy), Green Bay, WI and Curtis, Chicago, IL; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. The Reception of the Body/Vespers of the Dead will be held at St. Norbert Abbey, on Friday, June 7, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will follow until 8:30 p.m. and will continue on Saturday, June 8 from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Abbey Church on Saturday, June 8, at 11:00 a.m. Rt. Rev. Gary J. Neville, O. Praem., Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey, will preside at the funeral liturgy, Rev. David M. Komatz, O. Praem. will serve as the homilist. Burial will be in the St. Norbert Cemetery. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences. Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere, is in charge of the arrangements.