Patrick Jopek

Biography

Patrick T. Jopek, 70, of Bridgman passed away on Friday, December 26, 2008 at his home.

A Memorial service will be held at 10 AM (CST) Saturday, January 3, 2008 at Modell Funeral Home, 7710 S. Cass Ave., Darien, Illinois. Directions can be found at www.ModellFuneralHomes.com Friends may meet with the family from 3-9 PM (CST) Friday and 9 AM (CST) until the time of the service at the funeral home. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be given to Faith United Methodist Church, PO Box 414, Bridgman, MI 49106.

Mr. Jopek was born November 4, 1938 in Chicago the son of the late Joseph and Florence (Zwara) Jopek. On February 5, 1983 he married the former Loretta “Laurie” De Haan. He was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Bridgman.

Pat was President of Merit Mechanical Services, Inc. and PTJ & Associates, Inc. He loved his life profession in the heating and air conditioning industry and was blessed with many achievements. He was an innovative force in the industry and accolades include Past Board of Director and Vice President of the Northern Illinois Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, Past Board of Director of the Chicago Area Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, member of Environmental Protection Agency Committee, Washington, DC, Past Board of Director of the National Air Conditioning Contractors of America, Washington, DC. He was a Business HVACR Advisory Board Member, Technology Center of Du Page County, Illinois, a Business Education Partner, Education -To-Careers System, Du Page County, Illinois, Environmental Citizen of the Year, Darien, Illinois. Pat was a consultant to Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan. He was a well-known speaker and educator at industry seminars and a contributing writer to industry national publications. He was a technical consultant to contractors across the country. Pat was a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. There were two career accomplishments of which he was especially proud. He testified before the United States House of Representatives presenting the national HVACR industry opinion regarding the Portal-To-Portal Act. He was also a consultant to and his company, Merit Mechanical, installed the first freon-based food distribution center in Hong Kong, China for McDonald’s Corporation. He especially enjoyed working with the youth and was an educator and mentor to hundreds who now work throughout the industry. Pat was a commanding presence wherever he went and he will be greatly missed. He was totally devoted to his wife and family.

Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Laurie; children – Renee (Nate) Smith, Martin Jopek, Brian (Susan) Ritchey, and Erin (Rob) Bailie; five grandchildren – James Cullen, Katherine Cullen, Nathan Smith, Jacob Ritchey, and Lily Ritchey; and two brothers – Joseph (Peggy) Jopek and Thomas Jopek. He also leaves behind his cherished chihuahuas – PJ, Guy, and Pumpkin, who gave him so much joy and who were totally devoted to him.

Pat was also preceded in death by a brother, James Jopek.

Local arrangements entrusted to Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman.

Visitation

Friday January 2, 2009 , 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Modell Funeral Home

Memorial Service

Saturday January 3, 2009 , 10:00 AM CST at Modell Funeral Home