----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]---- It is with great sadness that we inform
everyone that a very dedicated Couper, Lee Koopsen, passed away yesterday.
Lee had kept flying up until December when the pain from bone cancer finally
prevented him from climbing into the cockpit. Lee was the last Wingleader
for our Michigan Wing and was well-loved and respected by all.
KOOPSEN, Leon A.
Of Kalamazoo Lee Koopsen died peacefully February 13, 2003 at home, surrounded by family. A Kalamazoo resident all his life, he was born October 29, 1925, the son of Albert and Arendena (VandenBerg) Koopsen. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and Kalamazoo College, and served in the U.S. Army in World War II, where he was part of the 304th Infantry Regiment 76th Division, which fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Lee was the owner of Koopsen's Total Decorating Center, founded in 1935 by Albert Koopsen, which closed in April, 2002 after 67 years in business. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean (Armintrout) Koopsen. Lee and Jean met in kindergarten and were married November 23, 1946 at Stetson Chapel, Kalamazoo College, where both were students. He is also survived by daughters, Loralee (Art) Phenis of Pompano Beach, FL, Jasmin Cori (née Shirlee Koopsen) of Boulder, CO; and son, Thomas (Christine) Koopsen of Kalamazoo; as well as grandchildren Andrew and Ann Vorick, Emelia, Alison, and Audrey Koopsen, all of Kalamazoo; sister, Winifred Oakland of Kalamazoo; brother, John Koopsen of Carlsbad, CA; six nephews, a niece, many cousins, an aunt and uncle, and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Arendena Koopsen of Kalamazoo; his brother, Gary and wife, Nancy of Spokane, WA; and sister-in-law, Lois Bush of Kalamazoo. Lee was an accomplished sportsman, playing badminton, tennis, and golf (He and Jean were once city champions in badminton), a watercolor artist, a man devoted to family and to a special passion for flying. He was a member of The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA), the Experimental Aircraft Association, The Home Builders Association of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Kalamazoo Inc. (DKI), and the National Decorating Products Association, where he served on the national board. According to his wishes, the body has been cremated followed by private interment. If you wish to visit with family and friends, they will be holding visitation hours at LANGELAND
Fly high my Friend!
Rick and Jennifer Green Kalamazoo, MI
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