Rodney “Rod” W. Copenhaver, 74, passed away on April 26th, 2015 surrounded by his family at the VA hospital in Helena, MT due to complications from Pneumonia.
Rod was born in Missoula, MT on November 5, 1940 to Lawrence and Laura Copenhaver. Rod was raised in the Blackfoot Valley where he spent most of his time learning and enjoying the outdoors with his family.
After graduating from Powell County High School, he enlisted in the Navy. Rod married Merle Sturm and returned to Seeley Lake where they had three children (Joan, Trish and Travis). He was an independent contractor for Champion International for many years. The family later moved to Helena where Rod continued his logging truck company, Copenhaver Trucking, and was an active member of the Montana Logging Association. Merle and Rod later divorced and, in 1980, Rod remarried the love of his life, Donna Wagner. Donna brought three kids with her, Steve, Gordon, and Terri. After selling his logging truck company Rod worked for Pate Auction Service, where he set up and helped with the auctions and Donna ran the concession stand.
Rod and Donna enjoyed their time traveling, boating, fishing and helping others. Rod loved playing his guitar, operating heavy equipment, hunting, fixing anything and everything and spending time with family and friends.
Donna passed away in 1998. Rod then spent time in Pahrump, NV where he worked with his friend Ron Adams. Preceding his death, Rod resided in Wolf Creek, MT where he enjoyed helping Ron and operating heavy equipment.
Rod is survived by his daughters, Joan (the late Michael) Islas of Kalispell, MT, Trish Copenhaver (Calvin DeBoer) of Enderby, B.C., and Terri (Allen) Denzer of Conrad, MT; sons, Travis Copenhaver of Ely, NV, Gordon (the late Peggy) Bronson of Helena, MT, and Steve (Cynthia) Bronson of Colorado Springs, CO; brothers, Leroy of Tacoma, WA, Larry (Ann) of Seeley Lake, MT, Wally (Sandy) of Helena, MT, and Bruce (Jackie) Copenhaver of Missoula, MT, and sister Barb (Doug) Harris of Post Falls, ID; grandchildren Travis (Kelsey) Bronson of Helena, MT, Jennifer (Shawn) Eblen of Helena, MT, April Walker of Columbia Falls, MT, Rick (Haley) Denzer of Conrad, MT, Byron (Lyndsie) Denzer of Conrad, MT, Charlene Aulds of Houston, TX, Jamey (Lora) Bronson of Helena, MT, Shelley Bronson of Helena, MT, and Rula Jessup of Utah; and numerous great grandchildren.
Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Laura Copenhaver, his wife, Donna and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
We are all better because of this great man.
A memorial service celebrating Rod’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2nd at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will immediately follow the memorial service in the social center of the funeral home. Memorials in Rod’s name are suggested to Disabled Veterans of America please visit the website to make a donation www.dav.org . Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Rod.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 am
Saturday May 2, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral home
3750 North Montana
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following Celebration of Life
Saturday May 2, 2015
Social Hall of Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 am
Saturday May 2, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral home
3750 North Montana
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following Celebration of Life
Saturday May 2, 2015
Social Hall of Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave
Helena , Montana 59602
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Diane Pedersen says
To the Copenhaver family:
I was so sorry to hear that Rod passed away. He was a very kind and considerate person and we spent many evenings at a local casino remembering friends and family and hoping to get rich every time we played keno! My deepest sympathy to his family at this difficult time.
Steve Bronson says
Rod was a very amazing man and in my time with him he taught me a lot about life. He enjoyed showing me things from a lost generation. He defiantly loved the great outdoors. His love for my mother, Donna, was so obvious in everything he did. Just being around Rod you had to like the man. He was just amazing. He will be missed and remembered in my memories of the good times spent with him and the family. Rest In Peace now Rod. You and mom are together again.
Jim and Nicole Wagner says
Rod will be missed. I was young when first meeting Rod, I thought he was the coolest. Played the guitar sang and owned his own business. I lost touch with rod over time. But will always remember his class. My deepest sympathies to the whole family. Our prayers are with you.
Trish Copenhaver says
You touched many lives in many ways. Our loss is heaven’s gain. We will miss you dearly Papa!
Maggie Geisler says
Uncle Rod was an amazing person and I had the honor of having him be a part of my life. Time goes on like it does but I never will forget him. Aunt Donna and him are together again. Rest in peace Uncle Rod.
Rita Wagenaar says
Rod was such a caring, giving, loving man, I will always keep in my heart the times we spent with him and the talks we had. He truly made a difference in my life. I smile today because now you and Donna are together again. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Kendra (Sturm) Belfield says
Uncle Ron. I know this is years after your beautiful trip heaven has happened, but I want Joan, Trish & Travis to know I loved & admired you dad. I often wished he were my dad. I have tried for years to find all of you. If you care to contact me, I have given the funeral home my contact information. I love and miss all of you. Your dad was a caring loving man. I shall miss him.