Donald Kopis

Donald Fred Kopis of Perua�"decorated Korean War veteran, successful businessman, farmer, loving husband and father of five childrena�"passed away September 10, 2010. Born November 19, 1930 in Chicago, Ill., the son of Frank J. and Marie M. (Herrmann) Kopis, Donald graduated in 1948 from Downers Grove (Ill.) High School. He attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, before serving in Korea with distinction in the U.S. Army where he received the Bronze Star with Valor device, the Purple Heart, and the UN Service Medal. Stationed at Ft. Carson in Colorado Springs, Colo., he met E. Mildred Doebbeling; they married October 3, 1956. He was honorably discharged in 1959 and was a member of VFW Post 2067. He is survived by his wife, Mildred; daughter Diana Sue and husband Herb Blake of Long Beach, Calif., granddaughter Lauren Baumbauer of Laguna Hills, Calif., and grandson Christopher Baumbauer of San Diego; son Donald Francis Kopis of South Bend; son Douglas Alan and partner Michelle Snyder of North Manchester; son David Eric and wife Jennifer of Weston, Conn., granddaughter Adele and grandsons Tyler and Glen; and son Dwight Andrew and wife Bonnie of Martinsville, granddaughter Macy and twin grandsons Jacob and Wesley. Also surviving are his sister Maralee Kopis, brother Jan and wife Lois Kopis, all of Downers Grove; as well as nieces and cousins.

In the 1960s his career in health care management began at Penrose Hospital, Colorado Springs, proceeding to St. Joseph Hospital and St. Anne Home, Ft. Wayne. In 1969, Donald was appointed by Indiana Governor Edgar Whitcomb to the Indiana State Board of Registration and Education for Health Facility Administrators, receiving license number 4 in 1971. Having managed and owned extended care facilities until 1985, Donald chose to farm full-time until 1992, when he and Mildred moved to Peru. He owned the Sheep to Shawl Shop, worked as City Engineer for the City of Peru and was a freelance sports reporter for the Peru Tribune.

He was a high school football star; drill sergeant; pilot; dog breeder and trainer; horseman, cattleman and shepherd; civic participant; amateur historian; and Sunday school teacher.

Graveside services that include military rites are scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday (September 15) at the Paw Paw United Methodist Church, Paw Paw Pike, Denver.

Immediately following the service, lunch will be served at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Miami County Military Rites Team or the Miami County Museum.