John Koopman

John Koopman

Appleton - John Koopman, 88, of Appleton, succumbed to long-term heart and lung issues on December 22, 2020, with loving family by his side. He was the son of the late Ernest and Idella (Walton) Koopman, and was born and raised in Sibley, Iowa. His life was shaped by an intense and enduring interest he developed in opera. He held two degrees in music from Drake University and also studied at Indiana University. He served in the army during the Korean conflict and later taught at Bethany College, in Lindsborg, KS. He then moved to Appleton,WI, to teach at the Conservatory of Music of Lawrence University for thirty-four years, during which he served as chair of the voice department and established the opera theatre program. He retired as Professor Emeritus in 1994. In retirement he remained a very active opera critic, and wrote numerous performance reviews for American and foreign magazines.

His wife of 57 years, Elizabeth Jane (Hayes) Koopman, preceded him in death in 2009. Surviving him are two of their children, William (Lisa) and James (Kathy), four grandchildren, Rachel Pumroy (Adam), Daniel Koopman, Ruth Anne Pumroy, and Zachary Koopman and two great grandchildren, Alexandria and Victoria Schaible. He is also survived by his beloved companion of recent years, Nancy Marsh Stowe, and by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Annette, two half-brothers, Harold Koopman and Cedric Klippstein, and his daughter, Ann (Eric).

John enjoyed life immensely and once wrote: "I'm surprised and pleased to have ended up being the longest living male on my family tree. I must say I've had a great ride; a superb mother, an adoring aunt, a wonderful small-town childhood, a life made pleasurable by music and song, and the love and support of an incomparable wife and three great kids. Then, in my later years, I found a wonderful, loving companion. I lived in exciting times, genuinely loved all of my in-laws, and enjoyed great friends and interesting travels. What more could one possibly hope for in a long, comfortable and productive existence? I hope you will enjoy your time as much as I have mine."

The family expects to hold a memorial celebration in Appleton in 2021, once the pandemic permits. If you wish to make a gift in John's memory, please make to the Conservatory of Music, Lawrence University, in Appleton.

For more information or to share a memory of John, please visit www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com.