Raymond Kopser

Raymond (Ray) Joseph Kopser passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was born on May 16, 1941 in Poughkeepsie, New York to Frederick (Fred) and Anna Gibson Kopser. 

In 1957, Ray moved with his family to Lexington, Kentucky where he attended Lexington Catholic High School and then continued his education at Thomas More College. Following graduation he proudly served his country as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy for five years, during that time he received his master’s degree at George Washington University. 

Ray and Jacqueline (Jacque) Terlau Kopser, his wife of 62 years, settled in Fort Wright, Kentucky in 1967 where they raised their six children. 

Ray enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the financial industry, retiring from Morgan Stanley after 40 years. He approached his work with integrity and humility. 

Above all, Ray cherished his role as husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He found great joy spending time with his children and grandchildren on his family horse and cattle farm in Union, Kentucky. 

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Anna Gibson Kopser, his brother Frederick Kopser, Jr., sister-in-law Carole Kopser and his brother George Kopser. 

Ray is survived by his wife Jacque Terlau Kopser, and his children: Mark (Suzanne) Kopser, Michael (Tami) Kopser, Richard (Cindy) Kopser, Christine Shields, David (Shannon) Kopser, and Katherine (Jarrad) Lee, along with 21 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, all of whom were blessings in his life. 

Ray will be remembered for his love for his family, his service to his country, and his quiet strength. His life and legacy will continue through the many lives he touched. 

Visitation will be held at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Union, Kentucky on Monday, February 2, 2026 from 10:00am until the eulogy at 10:45am, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. A celebration of life will follow mass at Triple Crown Country Club. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made to a charity of your choice or Ray’s favorite charity, the Anna Gibson Kopser scholarship fund at the University of Kentucky. He and his brothers started the scholarship to honor their mother‘s lifelong goal to be a nurse. You can contribute here: 

https://give.uky.edu/campaigns/47076/donations/new