Nelson D. Koopsen

KOOPSEN, Nelson D.
Portage
Nelson Donald Koopsen, 85, of Portage, MI, passed away on Sunday, November 7, 2010 at his home. Nelson was born May 19, 1925 in Kalamazoo, MI. the son of Gysbert and Gertrude Schippers Koopsen. He married Jennie Rasmussen in May, 1957, enjoying over 53 years together. A lifelong member of Trinity Reformed Church, Nelson served as a Deacon. He was called to serve in the United States Navy during WW II and was stationed in the South Pacific. Nelson was a 5th generation self-employed builder for over 50 years. Sharing his love of building, he was a 4-H leader for many years. Nelson was preceded in death by 2 granddaughters, Elizabeth Webb and Amber Koopsen, his parents, 2 sisters, Geraldine Jackson and Arlene Brinks, and a brother, Adrian Koopsen. He is survived by his wife and 5 children: Carol Paul Hamilton, Cary, NC, Adrian Sue Koopsen, William Beth Koopsen, Patricia Rex Webb and Sarah James Dirksen all of Portage; 19 grandchildren; 1 great granddaughter; 4 sisters, Cornelia Crouch and Elaine Liggett both of Kalamazoo, Norma Warren Erickson of FL, Trudy Erv Herzog of AR; and a brother-in-law, Donald Brinks of Portage; several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 6-9 on Friday at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday in the Trinity Reformed Church, 326 West Cork St., with Rev. Jacques Nel, officiating. Interment will take place in South Portage Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Trinity Reformed Church or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, in his name. Please visit www.langelands.com for online obituary, directions, register book and condolences. 269 343-1508