Gordon L. Copple

Gordon Laverne Copple, 86, of Sloan, Iowa passed away Friday, February 6, 2015 at Unity Point/St. Luke's Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa. Memorial services will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, February 9, 2015 at Skien Lutheran Church, Albaton, Iowa with Pastor Craig Bock, officiating. Burial will be in the Fairview Township Cemetery, Albaton, Iowa. Visitation will be 9:30 A.M. until service time Monday, February 9, 2015 at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Family Care Service in Onawa, Iowa. Gordon was born October 8, 1928 in rural Woodbury County the son of Jesse William and Opal Fern (Lee) Copple. He grew up on a farm in Woodbury County. He attended school at Sloan Consolidated School and graduated from there in 1945. Gordon and Geraldine Baker were united in marriage on September 24, 1946 in Sioux City, Iowa. He farmed for several years. He was then employed by Ford Garage as a parts manager, did landscaping, and retired in 1991 from the City of Sloan maintenance department. After retirement, the couple wintered in Arizona for 10 years. He enjoyed family camping trips with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His grandchildren were very important to him and he taught them all how to drive and water ski. He was an avid card player. He loved to golf on the Sloan Golf Course. He was a volunteer with the Sloan Fire Department for many years. He was an avid blood donor and over his lifetime donated 14 gallons of blood and plasma. He was a lifelong member of Skien Lutheran Church in Albaton, Iowa where he served on the board for several years. Gordon is survived by his wife of 68 years, Gerri Copple of Sloan, IA; four children, Mike (Jean) Copple of Norwalk, IA, Terri (Mac) McDonald of Montezuma, IA, Allen (Joan) Copple of Sloan, IA, and Tom (Peg) Copple of Sloan, IA; ten grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant children; and one brother, Merrill Copple. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.rushfamilycareservice.com.