Dudley Kopen

Dudley Raymond Kopen, of East Lansing, MI, formerly of Grand Rapids, MI, who would have turned 86 next week, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, September l, 2008 (Labor Day) after a 4 year battle with bladder cancer. Dad was surrounded by his loving children during his final days. Mr. Kopen was born September 9, 1922 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was the son of Charles Raymond and Dorothy (nee: Kolb) Kopenski, both of whom predeceased him. Dudley enlisted in the Michigan National Guard when he was 15 years old (he lied about his age). Later, the National Guard merged with the United States Army where Dudley served for 9 years. He served in World War II in Japan and the Philippines from 1937 to Feb., 1946. Dudley was awarded a Purple Heart for injury caused by enemy action. In 2007, Mr. Kopen was featured in a WKAR WWII Documentary, "The War: Michigan Voices." which was initiated by one of his 4 sons, professional photographer, Raymond Dudley Kopen, of East Lansing and Spring Lake, Michigan. "The War: Michigan Voices - Pacific Theatre" features oral histories from Michigan veterans who were serving in the first attack on the Japanese home islands. (You can find all of their transcripts online by typing in the name of the veteran or "Michigan Voices.") On Feb. 14, 1949 (Valentine's Day), he married Marion Wells Scholten and together they had seven children. (Marion passed away in November, 2000.) Mr. Kopen was a faithful and devoted employee of General Motors/Fisher Body Div. in Wyoming, Michigan. He was a lifelong, proud member of the United Auto Workers. He retired from General Motors in 1982 after 32 years of service at age 59. For the past 17 years, Dudley has resided with his daughter and son-in-law, Marlene and Joe Mahoney and then at Independence Village of East Lansing. Mr. Kopen was awarded the honor of "King" by the residents of the retirement facility for his unending kindness, politeness and willingness to help other residents and staff with various requests for assistance. Mr. Kopen liked to help the staff plant the flowers, keep the bird feeders full, and set up chairs for the many events. Dudley loved to fish, play pool (and he was really good at it), and had a real passion for reading. He especially loved to joke, tease and flirt with the ladies with his corny sense of humor. But, also, Dudley Raymond Kopen was a very sensitive, caring and compassionate person who, although his life was long, lived a hard and difficult life surviving many stressful events and losses. In addition to his parents and wife, Dudley was predeceased by his beloved sister and brother-in-law, LaVerne and Robert Averill, who were tragically killed in a car crash in l966. Dudley is survived by his beloved seven children, Attorney Robert (Janice) Kopen of Scotts, MI., Marlene (Joseph) Mahoney of E. Lansing, MI., Douglas (Mary Susan) Kopen of Grand Rapids, MI, Raymond Kopen of East Lansing and Spring Lake, MI, Edward of East Lansing, MI, Dory (Billy) Bergman of New York, NY, and Melanie Hart (Darius) Narbutis of Chesterton, IN. Mr. Kopen is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Laura Christine, Jenny Marie, Molly Sue, Kelli Marlene, Emily Anne, Zachary Joseph, Andrea Joy Andera, Alicia Rene, Aaron Edward and Abigail Rae Kopen, Katherine "Kelly" and Christopher Robert Mahoney, Hannah Olivia Rossen Kopen and Raphael Pierce Bergman. His two great-grandchildren are Onora Divine Lancaster and Jared Tinkham. Dudley is also survived by his beloved niece, Rebecca (Averill) Fisher and nephew, Bruce Averill as well as his Kopenski siblings, Karl, Roger, Lois and Jack. Memorial Services with Military Honors to celebrate his life and legacy will be held on Sat., Sept. 6, 2008 at l:00 p.m. at the Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. S.W. (east building). Visitation will be one hour prior to service. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookfuneralservices.com. Special thanks to Mr. Patrick D. Reagan (of Grand Rapids, MI.) for his guidance, prayers, care and concern. Many thanks also to the staff of Independence Village of East Lansing, MI, especially to Paulette Hopkins and granddaughter, Katherine "Kelly" Mahoney for their care and assistance with Dad's life. Special thanks to all Dads' sons, Robert, Douglas, Raymond and Edward and his son-in-law, Joseph Mahoney, for their guardianship, service and compassion to Dad during these last years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated to the American Cancer Society, 1755 Abbey Rd., E. Lansing, MI 48823 or to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, St. Lawrence, P.O. Box 30480, Lansing, Michigan 48909. To his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, remember: To be strong and thank God for people like Grandpa who was a member of "The Greatest Generation" who served our Country so that we could all live in a more peaceful world. We will miss Dudley Raymond Kopen very much. "The battles are over, Daddy. May you rest in peace...and thank you for our very lives." Cook Funeral and Cremation Services