Lawrence Edward Coppens

Lawrence (Larry) Coppens was born on August 10, 1944, to Henry and Frances (Dado) Coppens in Battle Creek, Michigan, the fifth of five children. He died on July 19, 2025, at American House in Holland, Michigan, after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Larry was raised in Caledonia and Wyoming, Michigan and graduated from Rogers High School. After high school, he proudly served the U.S. Army, serving in Germany. He then moved to Florida and graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Industrial Management. After living in Florida for several years, he returned to West Michigan and worked for a few different Grand Rapids area companies as a buyer. While working at Jet Electronics, he met Jean (Hoedema), the love of his life. They married a short time later.

Larry loved his family, music, and his dog, Stella. And he had a passion for cars, especially Mustang convertibles. Larry and Jean loved their many trips to the east coast in their red Mustang convertible. After retiring, they spent winters RVing in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where they thoroughly enjoyed their time with friends they met there.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Robert (Bob) Coppens, who was more like a second father to Larry than a brother. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jean, who he fondly called Ester; his three children, Cassandra Coppens of Vermont, Allison (Nicholas) LaCroix of Grand Rapids and Matt (Ranise) Coppens of Memphis, Tennessee; and his twin granddaughters, Ella and Sofie LaCroix, whom he adored; siblings Nancy Corrigan of Belen, New Mexico, Judy (Larry) Crittenden of Hickory Corners, Michigan and Bonita Springs, Florida and James (Thess) Coppens of Altamonte Springs, Florida and sister-in-law, Louise Koster of Holland. Also, several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 625 Kenmoor Ave, Suite 115, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 or the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc, 912 Killian Hill Road SW, Lilburn, GA 30047.The family is especially grateful to the staff of American House, in Holland, Michigan, for their excellent care.