Merlyn R. Koopman “Koop”, age 83, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI died Monday, October 1, 2018 at his residence.

Funeral Services are 11:00 AM Saturday, October 6, 2018 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Rev. Jonathan Petzold will officiate. The family will greet relatives and friends at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Saturday from 9:00-11:00 AM. Burial will be at Pioneer Cemetery. Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI is assisting the family.

Merlyn was born October 11, 1934 in Benton County, IA to Harry and Minnie (Strellner) Koopman. He graduated from Shellsburg, IA High School in 1952. Merlyn married Donna Roehr on July 18, 1953.

Merlyn was employed at Penick & Ford in Cedar Rapids, IA from 1952 until January 1969. He and Donna moved to Wisconsin Rapids, WI in February 1969 and he was employed at Consolidated Papers Inc as a pipefitter at the Kraft Mill, retiring in 1996. Merlyn enjoyed gardening, woodworking, cooking for gatherings and spending time with his family at the Beacon’s of Minocqua.

Merlyn is survived by his wife, Donna; three children, Larry (Cynthia) Koopman, Vickie (special friend- Jeff Lynch) Lanzi and Douglas Koopman and son-in-law, Jeff Wunrow, all of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; grandchildren, Matthew (Amy) Schmelter and their daughter, Jocelyn of El Paso, IL, Marcus Hargett of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Kristi (Richard) Ensign and their son, Carter of Stevens Point, WI and Rachel Koopman of Oklahoma City, OK; step-granddaughter, Marnae (Dusty) Wilson and step great grandson, Ronald Hertzberg and his daughter, Mara and step grandson, Jeff Lanzi and his son, Joey; and also survived by many nieces and nephews. Merlyn is also survived by sister, Betty Anderson of Independence, IA.

Merlyn was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kay Wunrow; brother, Stanley; sister, Mardene and sons-in-law, Roderick Schmelter and Joseph Lanzi Jr.