Age: 71
October 5, 1949 – November 16, 2020
Thomas Duane Koplin of Avon, Minnesota, passed away Monday, November 16, 2020 at St. Cloud Hospital after an over 3 week fight with Covid-19. He was 71 years young, healthy and very active.
Thomas (Tom) Duane Koplin was born October 5, 1949 to Elmer and Olga (Dunker) Koplin. He was born in Perham, one of 10 children, and grew up in Ottertail MN. He attended Evansville High School and Alexandria Technical College for Diesel Mechanics. On June 20, 1969 he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Susan Whetham, with whom he had a great life. He worked as a truck mechanic for 30 years and retired from Granite City Tool in 2015. In his retirement he enjoyed fixing various machines in his shop. Throughout his life, he shared his passion for fishing and hunting with nephews, daughters, and grandchildren. He also enjoyed volunteering at his church. He loved sharing his gift of music with his church, family, and friends. He also stayed active hiking and biking with his wife and friends. He especially loved his time playing pinochle and various card games with his friends.
Tom will be dearly missed by his bride Sue, his daughters Sonya (Ryan) McNamara of Lonsdale; Nichole Sandbakken of Albany; and Vanessa (David) Neal of Arlington, VA. Grandchildren, Katrina Sandbakken, Aidan McNamara, Soren McNamara, and Keagan Neal; sister-in-law, Virginia Koplin of Perham; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.
Preceding Tom in death were his parents, Elmer and Olga, all of his brothers and sisters Marvin Koplin, Melvin (Gloria) Koplin, Leonard Koplin, Vivian (Mervin) Whetham, James (Rosemary) Koplin, Marian (Don) Dertinger, Robert Koplin, Ralph Koplin and LeRoy Koplin.
The funeral service will be held privately with burial in the Our Saviors Lutheran cemetery. A public celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to: The Anna Marie’s Alliance or Eagle’s Healing Nest.
Schedule and Information
The funeral service will be held privately with burial in the Our Saviors Lutheran cemetery. A public celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date.
Memorials
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to: The Anna Marie’s Alliance or Eagle’s Healing Nest.
Service Details
The funeral service will be held privately with burial in the Our Saviors Lutheran cemetery. A public celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date.
18 Comments. Leave new
My deepest sympathy to the Koplin family. Hugs and prayers may he rest in peace.
Our thoughts and prayers to Sue and her family. Tom was such a wonderful friend and will be missed. Love and hugs to his family. We love you all. May God bless your wonderful memories of such a wonderful gentleman!
Ourdeepest sympathy to the Koplin family. Niki and Katrina we love you both bunches. To the whole family our love is sent to you all and may Tom Rest In Peace.
Our deepest sympathy to Sue and family..our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Our prayers are with you all… Tom was a man of strong convictions and great faith. He will be missed
Pastor Don Barb Ashley and Tyler
Sending our prayers and love to you all. Such a great guy who will be missed by many.
Sending our prayers and love to you all. Tom was great guy who will be missed by many.
Our deepest sympathy goes to Sue and their family, Tom will be greatly missed! Hugs and prayers to you all.
Sending love and hugs to Sue and her family. Tom was a wonderful guy – so talented in so many ways. I treasure the CD he made and gifted to many of us. He was a dear friend, and I will miss him. God bless each of you through this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathies to Sue and the family. Tom was a wonderful part of our congregation and will be so missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thoughts and prayers to Sue and family,Tom was a great guy and will surely be missed by all.
Our deepest sympathies to Sue and family. Tom was a very special person. I will always remember his beautiful singing voice, which he graciously shared with us at our wedding. May you find comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Our sympathy to Sue and family.
Tom was a good man,. R.I.P.
John & Connie Wiese
I am so sorry to read that Tom died from CoVid-19. Where I came from in SE Minnesota, cowboy church services were held in a small village called Cherry Grove.
Tom and I shared our mutual interest in the cowboy church way of worshipping God. I can hear Tom’s rich voice sing, “All Glory, Praise, and Honor To Thee, Redeemer, King. . .Made sweet hosannas ring.” With Deepest Sympathy, Jewell Glady
Dear Sue, Sonya, Nichole and Vanessa
We are so sorry for your loss. Tom was a great man and you were very fortunate to have him in your life. As you know, he was like a brother to my mom and he will be dearly missed. When I moved to AZ you all took in my mom as family and I can never ever tell you enough how thankful I am for all you do for her. Please take good care of each other.
Love and hugs to you all!
Brian and Melissa Lemke
So sorry to hear this news. I enjoyed working with Tom and always appreciated the mechanical expertise he brought to our company. He had the Midas Touch when it came to the service customers he worked with. An honor to know and work with him.
So sorry to hear of the death of Tom. He is happy in heaven with so many loved ones(my 28 year old son for one) I am Loretta’s daughter. She is in shock. She is the oldest of the cousin’s and wonders why she is left. God’s ways are not always our ways. His purpose on Earth was done and God has a big plan now for him in heaven. We miss being separated from them now. It is hurtful and our hearts are in pain. We pray for God to strengthen you in this sad time and bring you peace and comfort. Be open to God’s love. Tom is watching from above. He’s sending his love always. So sorry, condolences from Loretta Sieling, Randy , and Dean & Diane Bauck
So sorry about the loss of Tom. He was always a happy and caring guy. We enjoyed the Koplin reunions @ your place so much. He was talented and kind. He will be missed by so many. He set the best spiritual example. Now God is rewarding him in heaven. My son is there too, he died in his sleep @ 28. He sends me signs that he is so happy, loved, and busy. Heaven is our home and is great, but we miss the separation! It is so hard on earth without our loved one, even when we know they are OK. We pray for God to send you His strength and peace to endure this sad time. So sorry, condolences: Loretta Sieling & Randy & Dean & Diane Bauck