Lisa Vopat-Kerkow, of Prior Lake, passed away suddenly at the age of 59 from an aggressive and rapidly progressing form of non-small cell lung cancer. A Christian Funeral will be held on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at 1:00 PM with visitation two-hours prior at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation in Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside, and a luncheon will be held at T.J. Hooligan’s following the service.
On November 18, 1958 Kenneth and Marjorie Vopat celebrated the birth of their daughter, Lisa Ann Vopat. She was the sixth of eight children. Lisa loved growing up on the family farm in Faulkton, South Dakota. As a young girl she attended a one-room schoolhouse and spent time helping with farm chores like gathering eggs. She was a talented gymnast and enjoyed music, both playing the piano and singing. In middle school, Lisa’s family moved to Minnesota. Lisa graduated from Burnsville High School in 1977.
Following graduation, Lisa began working as a waitress. She loved people, and this was a good fit for her. In 1984, Lisa got the best job of her life when she became a mother to her beautiful daughter, Katie. That same year, Lisa also began her career as a flight attendant for Northwest Airlines (later Delta). Lisa was a natural. She enjoyed the work and all the people she met along the way. Lisa spent the next 34 years with the airline.
In September of 1992, Lisa married Kristopher Kruger, and they were blessed with two more girls, Emilee and Hannah. As a family they enjoyed camping, traveling and lots of family time together. Eventually, Lisa and Kris separated, but remained wonderful parents. Lisa passed on her love of music to her girls and always encouraged them to follow their dreams. She taught them the importance of family during their annual family camping trips with the Knights of Columbus. Thanks to Lisa’s profession she was able to show her family the world through travel. Between escaping to Florida during the bitter winters or exploring Europe with her girls, it was always a wonderful time. Especially on the special Mother-Daughter trips Lisa took with each of her girls when they turned 18.
In 2008, Lisa met the love of her life. She was standing outside on a cold winter night, and a kind man walked up behind her and just stood there. When she asked what he was doing, he replied that he was blocking the wind for her. From that moment on, they were inseparable. Russ and Lisa enjoyed any time spent together. Particularly relaxing at the cabin, fishing, taking Harley rides, boating, camping, and bonfires with their friends. They shared a beautiful garden together in the backyard where Lisa could be found working away on any given summer day. Their love grew deeper every day. Lisa didn’t just love Russ, she loved his entire family, especially his daughter, Jayme.
Although Lisa had many hobbies, family was the most important thing in her life. She loved being a daughter, sister, mom and grandma. She was so excited to become Russ’s wife, and in her heart, she already was. Unfortunately, Lisa’s earthly journey came to an end much too soon. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on the evening of December 27, 2017.
Lisa was a sweet, kind and generous woman. She never spoke an unkind word and was completely selfless. Quirky and extremely loveable, her smile and positive energy was always contagious. She was the ultimate caregiver, and everyone loved her. Lisa truly enjoyed life and made the most of it.
She will be remembered always by her loving daughters, Catherine Vopat, Emilee Kruger and Hannah Kruger; husband, Russ Kerkow and his daughter, Jayme Kerkow; grandchildren, Braeden Hoff, Brooklyn Hoff and Olivia Vopat; mother, Marjorie Vopat; siblings, Susan (Jeff) Arneson, David Vopat, Paul Vopat, Mark Vopat, Nina (Robert) Vopat-Mills, Betsy (Greg) Drehmel and many other loving relatives and dear friends. Lisa is preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Vopat and brother, Kent Vopat.
