POPELKA, ROBERT J.

Robert Joseph Popelka entered into rest, San Jose, California, January 26, 2001. Cherished husband of Dorothy K. Popelka. Devoted father of Robert J. Popelka, Jr., Robin A. Popelka, John C. Popelka and James V. Popelka and his wife Nilda. Four grandchildren, one great-grandchild. Beloved brother of Joann, Karen and Dorothy. Beloved brother of John Paul. A native of Madison Lake, Minnesota. A graduate of the College of St. Thomas, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 1940. Officer in the United States Marine Corps (Major) he served as a Marine Raider in the South Pacific – Solomon Islands, New Georgia, where he engaged in combat. Following World War II, he attended and graduated from the University of California, Hastings College of Law in 1948. He established his law firm in San Jose in 1953. He became one of the leading trial attorneys in the United States. Over forty years of active trial practice, he represented a broad spectrum of clients in court and/or jury trials. He retired from active practice in 1987, was Of Counsel until his death, at the Law Firm of Popelka Allard.

He was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, an Advocate in the American Board of Trial Advocates, International Society of Barristers, Trial Attorneys of America (a member of the Board of Directors), National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel and Federation of Insurance and Corporate Counsel. Devoted Catholic, a parishioner of St. Joseph’s Cathedral Basilica of San Jose.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend the Funeral Mass and wake Tuesday, January 30, 2001, at 4:30 p.m., at St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica, 80 South Market Street, San Jose, California. Darling Fischer Garden Chapel 471 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA serving the family.