Francis William “Bill” Koppenhaver, age 82, of Wilton, died on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, at the Wilton Retirement Community.
A funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 25, at Grace United Church of Christ, Wilton. A visitation was held from 9:30 - 11 a.m., prior to the service at the church. Burial took place in Melpine Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Grace United Church of Christ. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Bill was born on April 17, 1941, and was adopted by Francis Verne Koppenhaver and Doris Louise (Jasperson) Koppenhaver when he was six months old from the Iowa Soldiers’ Orphans’ Home (Annie Wittenmyer Home) in Davenport. His parents raised him on the farm south of Durant.
He attended school at Sunnyside Country School and graduated from Durant High School. Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army. He spent his time in the U.S., driving the Army leadership around the base in a Jeep.
Bill was united in marriage to the love of his life, Carolyn Ruth Mayer, on Nov. 30, 1963. Together, they raised their children on the farm, milking cows, and caring for the calves. Bill was always proud of his cattle, taking great care to be sure they were well cared for on those difficult winter days. He was also proud of his equipment, including his John Deere 4020 tractor.
A few years after the farm crisis of the 1980s, and death of his father, he purchased the family farm. He and Carolyn spent many years there farming and raising cattle. This also allowed him to be just across the road from his best friend, Weldon Martz. He was also able to raise crops on his grandparents’ farm, Bill and Bessie Jasperson.
Bill is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn; children, Jon Koppenhaver of Wilton, and Michelle (John) Karstens of Waverly; grandson, Chad William Danielson of Coralville, and his son, Mateo; granddaughter, Brittnee Danielson of Waterloo, and her children, Amela and Alen Pajazetovic; and his sister, Carol Uhr of Bettendorf.
Bill was proceeded in death by his parent, Verne and Doris; grandson, Jacob Danielson; and brother-in-law, Terry Uhr.
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