Richard Henry Coppens

Richard Henry Coppens

1936-2025

Richard (Dick) Henry Coppens, 88, passed away peacefully Friday evening, March 7th at his home in Bigfork, MN. He was born on August 6th, 1936, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Mishawaka, Indiana to Henry and Margaret Coppens. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1954 where he excelled on the basketball and golf teams. Six months after graduation, on December 31, 1954, he married Joyce Irene Prickett who also graduated from Mishawaka High School. Dick attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance.

He is survived by his wife Diane, his second wife of 41 years, son Randy Coppens (Gail), from St. Petersburg, FL. and son Ryan Coppens from Jacksonville, FL. He also had two grandsons, Ryan Yoho (Kat) and Evan Coppens (Erica): eight great-grandchildren, Ashleigh, Alyssa, Jinx, Davin, Ethan, Donovan, Bella and Winter as well as his first cousin Bill Coryn (Carol) and their two daughters, Julie and Jane. He is also survived by brother in-laws Dave Sorenson (Leola), Steve Sorenson, nephews David Solon (Jennifer) and Dan Solon (LaNay). He is pre-deceased by his first wife Joyce, his father, Henry Coppens and his mother, Margaret Coppens.

Dick had an extraordinary work ethic and loved the outdoors, especially fishing and trapping. Driven by his love for the outdoors, he and Joyce purchased a fishing resort in 1970 named Idlewild Lodge and moved the family to Marcell, MN. While operating Idlewild Lodge, Dick also acted as a full-time fishing guide for many of the guests at the resort. As a guide, Dick provided everything needed for a full day of fishing as well as a freshly cooked shore lunch over an open campfire.

After selling the resort in 1978, Dick entered semi-retirement and married his current wife Diane in 1983. Dick furthered his love of fishing by continuing to guide his most loyal customers, then transitioned to beaver trapping and traveling during the winter season. Dick will live on forever in the hearts of his loved ones and his spirit will continue to thrive in the forests and lakes of Northern Minnesota.

A service will be held on Friday, March 14th at the First Presbyterian Church of Bigfork. The visitation period will begin at 10:00 am. with the funeral service commencing at 11:00 am. A reception at the church will follow immediately after the service.