Herbert Eric Kopperud:
January 7, 1918 - March 14, 2013
Herb Kopperud died peacefully, at Lanigan Hospital, on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 95 years of age. He was born on January 7, 1918, to Iver and Augusta (nee Ahlien) Kopperud on their farm northwest of Lanigan. He grew up there and attended Sydenham and Lanigan Schools, completing Grade 8. Some of his earliest employment included selling encyclopaedias, being a Fuller Brush salesman, trapping, helping his dad with the construction of buildings, and working in the mine at Flin Flon. Herb enjoyed hunting, curling, fishing, playing cards, music, and dancing, with the old time waltz being his favourite dance. Herb was called up to the Canadian Armed Forces in 1942, serving his country in England, Belgium, Germany, and Holland. On February 16, 1946, Herb married Jean Cooper in Saskatoon, SK. Following their marriage and Herb's discharge from the army, Herb and Jean lived on the Anderson farm, which was located between the Kopperud and Cooper home places. They lived for a short time with Herb's parents-in-law, Jesse and Ella Cooper, before relocating in 1948 to the Kopperud home place, where they farmed for many years. Throughout their years on the farm, Herb continued to build houses during the winter months. The farm, which remains in the family, was home to their five daughters. In 1972, Herb and Jean moved into Lanigan. They purchased the Hi-Way Confectionery and ran it for a year-and-a-half before relocating to Guernsey, where they owned and operated the Red and White Store. In 1976, they returned to Lanigan to retire. Over the years, Herb was actively involved in community associations. He was a member of Knox United Church, councillor for the R.M. of Wolverine #340, a member of the Delwood Fish and Game Club, and a Life member of the Royal Canadian Legion (Lanigan Branch #143). In all areas of his life, Herb was always willing to give a helping hand wherever and whenever needed. In his leisure time, Herb loved using his carpentry skills to make and repair many items for his children, grandchildren, and friends. Along with his love of curling, Herb also played ball and hockey, and at one time was a very talented boxer. His love of animals was evident to all he knew and he had a special fondness for dogs and horses. He was also an avid gardener and all-around "Mr. Fix It". Herb had strong ties to the past, especially with people that he grew up or shared similar interests with. He did like to live in the moment, however, and certainly was a life-long learner, with an eye on the future. Hunting and fishing excursions with family and friends were not just leisure activities for Herb. They were scheduled events, with harvest and seeding needing to be completed so he could enjoy them. As well, he and Jean loved to travel, frequently visiting family and friends. They wintered in Victoria, BC for many years. In 2002, due to Jean's deteriorating health, she and Herb moved to St. Volodymyr Manor in Saskatoon where Jean was able to receive the on-going medical attention she required. Following Jean's death, Herb made his home in Lanigan once more. He resided there until 2011, when he moved to Caleb Village in Humboldt. In late 2012, failing health necessitated a move into Humboldt Hospital. He remained there until mid January, when he was moved to Lanigan Hospital, where he lived until his passing. Herb will be lovingly remembered by his five daughters and their spouses: Margaret (John) Faktor of Flin Flon, MB, Dianne (Herb) Bartel of Lanigan, Lynne (Gil-deceased)) Blair of Courtenay, BC, Joyce (Kim) Holland of Avonlea, SK, and Florence (Wayne) Parohl of Kindersley, SK; 11 grandchildren: Chris (Michelle) Faktor, Dave (Jewel) Faktor, Bob (Hilary) Faktor, Amber Faktor, Cori (Sean) Morris, Craig (Jodi Sperling) Bartel, Blake Holland, Boyd (Jenaya Klemenz) Holland, Stuart Holland, Victoria Parohl, and Justin Parohl; seven great-grandchildren: Jonathon and Sarah, Eric, Claire and Charlotte Faktor; Breanna Clark-Bartel; and Kinley Holland; three nieces, three nephews, and numerous friends. Herb was predeceased by his wife, Jean (nee Cooper) Kopperud, d. 2006; son-in-law, Gilbert Blair, d. 2006; father, Iver Kopperud, d. 1987; mother, Augusta Kopperud, d. 1957; six siblings and their spouses: Arnt Dion Kopperud, d. 1912, in infancy; Dion, d. 2006, (Alice, Juanita) Kopperud; Aagoht Kopperud, d. 2003; Ruth, d. 2005, (Dick) Hillis; Walter, d. 2010, (Irene) Kopperud; and Edith, d. 1977, (Fred) Clifford; and by brother-in-law, Bill Cooper. The Funeral Service will be held at Knox United Church, Lanigan, on Saturday, April 6, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be directed to Delwood Fish and Game Club, the Saskatchewan Abilities Council or the Royal Canadian Legion/Veterans Memorial Fund and mailed c/o Dianne Bartel, Box 189, Lanigan, SK, S0K 2M0. Condolences may be sent by visiting thestarphoenix.com/obituaries. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
