Anita Kopko

Anita Lynn Kopko, 51, of Ottawa, formerly of Hinckley, passed away November 22, 2015 at home surrounded by her family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Garry L. Briesacher officiating. Her visitation will be 3:00 to 7:00 pm Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at Ottawa Funeral Home. Anita was born Oct. 22, 1964, in Hinckley, Illinois to Arthur and Carol (Eberly) Bergstrand. On July 12, 1986, she married Michael J. Kopko of McConnell, Illinois; they moved to Ottawa in 1993. Anita was a dedicated civil servant and devoted much of her time to improving the quality of life for those in her community. She earned her law degree from NIU in 1992, graduating magna cum laude and fifth in her class. She was named Outstanding Third Year Member of the law review and received the Francis X. Riley Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Lawyering Skills. Anita began her law career as a clerk for former Justice Peg M. Breslin of the 3rd District Appellate Court in Ottawa before moving to the Appellate Court’s research department. For the past 12 years Anita has been a partner at Pool, Leigh & Kopko, PC. She has also served on the board of directors for the Ottawa Township High School Educational Foundation, OTHS school board, United Way of Eastern LaSalle County, and Ottawa YMCA. Anita served on the church council for Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottawa and was active in youth activities such as coaching her sons’ soccer teams and Rotary Club. In 2012 she ran for LaSalle County circuit judge on the Democratic ticket. Anita is survived by her husband Michael; four sons, Chase, Derek (Bekah), Philip, and Colin; her mother, Carol Bergstrand; one sister, Robin (Allen) Thorson; and four brothers, Eric (Anzie), Chris (Cindy), Swen and Leif. She will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Bergstrand. In lieu of flowers please make donations may be made to the following: OTHS Educational Foundation, American Brain Cancer Foundation, or Central States Rotary Youth Exchange.