Pamela “Pam” Ross (Trantow) Koprek Nolan, 81, Ashwaubenon, passed away on Friday, November 2, 2018. She was born on April 8, 1937 to Leslie “Buck” and Lucille Trantow. Pam graduated from Merrill Senior High School in 1955 and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, earning her degree in Elementary Education. On August 1, 1959, she married Ernie Koprek, and they had two children, Mary and Kathy. They later divorced.
Pam always wanted to be a teacher. She loved working with children and chose her career very early in life when she would corral the neighborhood children into playing school. She taught kindergarten and second grade in Madison, Fort Atkinson, Merrill and Antigo, WI.
In 1973, she moved to Green Bay and taught kindergarten in the Howard-Suamico School District for six years. After earning her Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, she worked as a guidance counselor in the Howard-Suamico School District for 18 years and was known as the “Pickle Lady” with a theme of “Life is like a pickle – sometimes it’s sweet, sometimes it’s sour.” She enjoyed so much fun and friendship with other teachers, counselors and staff over the years.
On April 9, 1982, she married Leo Nolan. One of her greatest joys was seeing their two families together. What a blessing it was for her to experience all the wonderful relationships that came from her marriage to Leo. She cherished her relationships with Leo’s daughters and their families.
Pam was a member of Pilgrim Congregational Church since moving to Green Bay, where she sang in the choir and served on the Diaconate Board.
Pam was the world’s best sport and had a love of life. She had a wonderful sense of humor, an abundance of friendships and many interests including golf, reading, music, cards, travel, Starbucks, the Packers and the Badgers. She loved being with people and enjoyed welcoming family and friends into her home. Pam especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, attending their sports and school events and taking them to their first Packer game.
Pam is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Steve) Curran and their children, Abbie Curran, Ben (Karlie) Curran, Ross, Noah and Caroline Curran; her daughter, Mary (David) Stalowski and their children, Melissa, Alex, Josh and Lucy Stalowski; Leo’s daughter, Julie (Richard) Cayer, and their children, Emily Cayer (fiancé Russell) and John Cayer; Leo’s daughter, Kathy (Chris) Madson, and their children, Michael (Amy) Madson, and their child, Brady Ross, and Mandy (Troy) Rooni; Leo’s daughter, Nancy Seidl, and her son, Jamie (Shari) Seidl; her brother-in-law, Terry Desmond; nephews, Mike (Jodi) Desmond and Ross (Tanya) Desmond and their families; and many wonderful friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her sister, Mary Desmond.
Friends and family may visit at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 991 Pilgrim Way, from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9. The visitation will continue at church from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10. The Celebration of Pam’s Life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at church with Rev. Dr. Mark McAnlis officiating. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.
A memorial fund will be established to benefit Unity Hospice, Pilgrim Congregational Church, and the Bellin Cancer Team Foundation Patient Assistance Fund.
The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Kevin Mortara, Dr. Charlie Pan and the other amazing staff of the Bellin Cancer Team, to Unity Hospice, to Dr. Robert Crowley and his staff, and to Dr. Marcelo Grazziotin.
Pam wanted everyone to know that she is so grateful for her journey. All the caring and support of family and dear friends. All the people she met and shared life with along the way.
When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present…we experience heaven on earth.
—Sarah Ban Breathnach