Jerome Coppicus

Coppicus, Jerome Arthur age 87 of Columbia Heights.
After almost a month battling of B-Cell Lymphoma Cancer Jerry Coppicus passed peacefully to the Lord on Sunday, July 7, 2013 at 10:32 AM at the Palliative and Hospice Unit 1D at the Minneapolis Veteran Affairs Medical Center. He was a wonderful husband to wife (Evelyn)of 65 years, Father of 2, Grandfather of 3, and Great-Grandfather of 5. He will be missed. Previous to the current medical condition that Jerome was in, he was caring for his wife Evelyn, who has dementia, with the help of his son, (Clint) and daughter-in-law, (Karen) at his home in Columbia Heights. As of May 6, 2013 Jerome was driving, doing grocery shopping and other daily tasks. Jerry enjoyed traveling with Evelyn to many places with their RV. On their travels he enjoyed his hobby of collecting and selling railroad memorabilia. They traveled the southern states for many years during
the winter months. From the winter of 2000 they wintered in Yuma, Arizona until March of 2008. Since that time their traveling has been with Clint and Karen to Florida and visiting their home town in Colfax, Iowa. Jerome (Jerry) Arthur Coppicus was born February 15, 1926 at Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, the son of Arthur and Alta (Boardman) Coppicus. After the death of his father, (Arthur) and the remarriage of his mother (Alta)to Nathan Pierce the family moved to Colfax, Iowa. Jerry attended Colfax Elementary and High School. He graduated from Colfax High School in June of 1944 and then joined the United States Marines. His Marine training was at Camp Pendleton, California. He then shipped out to Guadalcanal in the South Pacific for integration with the invasion force preparing for the invasion of Okinawa. After Okinawa
was taken, he was sent for training for the invasion of Japan. During the Japanese surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay he was on a troop carrier in Tokyo Bay. After the ceremony in Tokyo Bay, he participated in the occupation of Japan from Aug 30, 1945 to Sept. 15, 1945. The occupation of China from Dec.10, 1945 to Oct. 30, 1946 for the expatriation of Japanese from China back to Japan. During this time in China he was housed in a dorm on a university Campus in China where his Doctor, Dr. Zang attended Medical School many years later. (They spoke of that time often.) Jerome was in the Asia Pacific Area from Nov. 8, 1944 to Dec. 22, 1946. Jerome was released from Military Service on Feb. 2, 1947 at Great Lakes, Illinois. Jerome was an Inactive Reserve Marine after World War II. Jerome married Evelyn Binkerd, his high school sweetheart on June 15, 1948 . They moved to San Diego, California where he worked in the Navy Yard as a Diesel Mechanic. Jerome was activated for the Korean War and entered into service on Nov. 8, 1950 and was discharged on Jan. 28, 1952. During this time his son, Clinton Jerome Coppicus was born in 1951. The Jerome Coppicus family lived in Altoona until summer of 1956 when they moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Evelyn's Sister, Betty and husband Glen already where living in Minnesota. They moved to Columbia Heights with her Mother, Mary Binkerd and Sister, Ruth Binkerd. Settling the family in Columbia Heights, Jerrry worked as a Traveling Salesman for the Upper Midwest area until he retired. Jerry, was an
active member of the Community United Methodist Church in Columbia Heights where he and Evelyn would deliver Meals on Wheels, and Jerry was part of the Trustee's Committee doing many jobs that needed fixing around the church. They said Jerry was very handy and did excellent work. Also Jerry belonged to a number of oganizations: Minnesota Chapter 1st Marine Division, an at large member of the Minnesota American Legion, Zuhrah Shriners of Minneapolis, Masonic Lodge of Newton York Rite of Newton, Iowa.
Jerome is survived by his beloved wife, Evelyn; son, Clint and his wife, Karen Coppicus of Fridley; three grandchildren, Nicholas and wife Sarah Coppicus of New Prague, Christopher and wife Katy Coppicus of Rice, Kyle Kepulis and Partner Kenneth Murray of Minneapolis; 5 Great-Grandchildren, Brother-in-law, Glen Asmus of St. Anthony, and Niece, Mary Asmus of Duluth, Sister, Joan Hallmark of Colvis, Calfornia; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews along with other wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his Parents and Daughter, Julie. Arrangements were with the Miller Funeral Home in Fridley. Memorial Service Tuesday, July 30th at 10 AM with visitation one hour prior at the Community United Methodist Church, 950 Gould Avenue Northeast, Columbia Heights. Private interment Colfax Cemetery, Colfax, IA. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to:
Hospice and Palliative Care Program
Mpls. VAMC
1 Veterans Drive
Mpls., MN 55417