Victor Vukorpa

Passed away on July 10, 2017, at home, at the age of 86. Victor was born in Chicago on August 21, 1930, the son of Michael and Vera (Perlik) Vukorpa. The family moved to Paw Paw in 1932, where he attended school and graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1949. Vic loved sports and lettered in football, baseball, and track. He was recognized for his pitching ability under Coach Wayne Falan. He was also in the Choir, a 4-man quartet, the Thespian Troupe, Varsity Club, Boys State, and various other school organizations. He was the Senior Class Treasurer. In 1950, Vic enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country honorably for 3 years during the Korean Conflict. On April 30, 1955, at St. Mary's Church in Paw Paw, Vic was united in marriage to the former Irene L. Jurczak, from Lawrence, who survives. Vic was employed at the Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo for 34 years in the Fine Chemicals Department. He retired in 1988. For many years, he also ran the movies at the Strand Theater in Paw Paw. His retirement years were spent golfing, fishing, hunting and travelling. One of his lifelong dreams was to learn to fly an airplane. He accomplished that dream by passing his FAA test in his 50's through the flight program at Western Michigan University. He also was a member of the American Legion and the Paw Paw Alumni Corporation. Vic will be remembered by his children as an active father who took them swimming, grocery shopping, to the sand dunes, fruit picking, to the movie theater, and for the weekly 10 cent treats at Tripoli party store. More importantly, his example as a dedicated and supportive son to his parents taught his children to choose patience, kindness, understanding, and love. Vic is survived by 3 daughters; Jennifer (Jurgen) Neumann of Harrison Township, Patricia (Michael) Scott of Battle Creek, and Susan (David) Copeland of Kalamazoo; son Victor Michael (Michelle) of St. Joseph, 8 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. Also surviving are 2 sisters; Evelyn (Andrew) Hall of Portage and Ellen (Jack) Neal of Portage, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Millie Buckmaster of Three Rivers. A private family service will be held next month with interment at St. Mary's cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Paw Paw Alumni Corporation or St. Mary's Church. Share a memory, photo or sign the online guestbook at: www.adamspawpaw.com