William Marcus Copeman

William Marcus Copeman, 76, of rural Chatfield, Minn., passed away Friday, September 20, 2019, surrounded by his loving family at his home.  William was born on December 25, 1942, in Spring Valley, Minn., to Charles Levenous “Lee” and Louise (Drogemuller) Copeman. He graduated from Chosen Valley High School in 1961.  William “Bill” Marcus Copeman loved to work hard on his farm.  The love for his farm and the land and all of God’s nature only took second place to the love for his family.

William was united in marriage on October 6, 1962, to Ruth Ann Vesey, “the love of his life,” at the Fillmore Free Methodist Church in Fillmore, Minn.  The adventures they shared started with a small farm in rural Preston where they lived for approximately 10 years.  Then, they moved to rural Fountain, Minn., to The Farm that was “his favorite place on this earth.”  His love for fishing was shared with his wife Ruth and they were blessed to share that with their children, extended family and life-long friends. Hunting his land was not only a passion of his, but yet another way to support his family. Besides his kindness and humor, Bill (Berry Bill) was known for picking berries, morels, wild flowers, and baking his famous pies.

The love that he and Ruth shared blessed them with three children: Myril and Laura Copeman of rural Fountain, Minn., Malissa “Missy” and Daryl Meeker of Chatfield, Minn., and Troy Copeman of rural Fountain, Minn.; five grandchildren: Justin Bernard and Amanda Schmidt, Dean and Deana Copeman, Victoria “Copeman” Anthony Jones, Dalton Woellert, Gatlin Woellert; four step-grandchildren: Christopher Solie, Jessica Solie, Katie Meeker, Nathan Meeker; six great-grandchildren: Brooke, Easton and Rowan Copeman; Robert and Monica Jones, and Zane Schmidt.

Bill is survived by his sister-in-law Roberta Copeman, sister Linda (Jim) Whitcomb, two brothers, John and Kathleen Copeman and Charles “Chuck” (Elizabeth “Liz”) Copeman; many cousins, nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.  Bill was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Rodney (Rod) Copeman, infant son Dean Allen Copeman, and grandson Bryan Robert Copeman.

A memorial service will be held at  Root Prairie Lutheran Church at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 27, with Pastor Mark Docken serving as officiant.  A visitation will be held at Root Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Fountain, Thursday, September 26, from 5-7 p.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service on Friday.