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Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home

Assisting the Montana communities of Helena, East Helena, Townsend, White Sulphur Springs, Montana City, Clancy & Lincoln

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In Memory Of

Ezekiel Alvin “ZEKE” Copeland Age 15

November 11, 2008 – June 30, 2024

Ezekiel Alvin Copeland was born, fast and fighting, on Tuesday, November 11th 2008 to adorning parents, Alvin Copeland, and Lisa Stauffenberg.

It took a while for Alvin and Lisa to pick the perfect name for their tiny new bundle of joy.  They finally landed on Ezekiel, meaning God will strengthen, the perfect fit for the boy who embodied the strength of the Lord for all of his 15 years.

From the very beginning Zeke was all boy- he loved sports, video games, and being active.  Zeke also had that irresistible “Copeland charm,” earning him many, many “girlfriends.” throughout the years. Zeke was a joker always, with a famous grin that you couldn’t help but smile along with. His giggles were just as contagious as that smile.  From a young age Zeke was known as a gentle giant. He was so social and often would help take care of the younger kids.

Zeke had a special bond with his older “little” sister Amelia, who loving called him her Bubba or, more recently, just called him Roar.  Zeke was a very proud, doting big brother to Amelia and his baby brother Elijah. Zeke’s pride for Elijah was easily found on his face whenever you asked him about his new baby brother. The bond Zeke had with both his siblings was easily seen, hard to compare, and totally unbreakable.

Zeke discovered a faith in Jesus at Glacier Bible Camp.  This faith, along with a large and loving extended family, were tremendous sources of encouragement in his life.  In turn, Zeke’s positivity and fierce determination encouraged those around him, even while he carried the heaviest burdens himself.

On Sunday, June 30th, after an almost six-year battle with heart and kidney issues, Zeke was finally able to rest as he ran from this world into the loving arms of Jesus, surrounded by his adoring parents.  We know that he is in heaven now, free of pain.

Zeke is preceded in death by his Grandma Debbie and Grandma JoAnn.  He is survived by his Mom Lisa Stauffenberg, and older Sister Amelia Hansen. His Dad Alvin (Brittany) Copeland and Brother Elijah Copeland, his grandparents Gary and Cindy Stauffenberg, his aunt Christy Stauffenberg, his grandpa Mike Copeland, Uncle Travis (Brenda) Terry, Aunt Cindy (Rob) Wodrich, Aunt Lacie (Chris) Kauzlarich, Uncle Andrew (Carlen) Copeland and a whole ship ton of cousins. Zeke was one of a kind. He will be missed beyond words. And remembered always.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne has said, ‘I am making everything new!’”

-Revelation 21:4-5

Service Schedule

Family Receiving Friends

6:00pm to 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday July 10, 2024

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 North Montana Ave

Helena, MT 59602

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Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Thursday July 11, 2024

Helena First

2210 Dodge Ave

Helena, MT

View map

Luncheon

12:00 p.m.

Thursday July 11, 2024

Helena First Gymnasium

2210 Dodge Ave

Helena, MT

View map

Service Schedule

Family Receiving Friends

6:00pm to 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday July 10, 2024

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 North Montana Ave

Helena, MT 59602

View map

Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Thursday July 11, 2024

Helena First

2210 Dodge Ave

Helena, MT

View map

Luncheon

12:00 p.m.

Thursday July 11, 2024

Helena First Gymnasium

2210 Dodge Ave

Helena, MT

View map

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Reader Interactions

Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Brad Bomar says

    July 5, 2024 at 6:26 am

    Sorry for your loss.

  2. Deb Wakeland says

    July 5, 2024 at 7:30 am

    Alvin and family,

    My thoughts are with you during this time. My sincerest sympathy for the loss of Zeke. May God continue to wrap you in His arms.

    Love and prayers

  3. Connie Jacquez says

    July 5, 2024 at 11:34 am

    May God bless you all in this tragic time of loss. God and the angels are so lucky to have him in their presence now. The loss of a child is beyond comprehension. Sending love, thoughts and healing prayers.

  4. Mary Theresa McKalips says

    July 5, 2024 at 11:35 am

    In life the worst thing you will ever do is to lose a child, especially one as precious as your son Zeke. He has gone through so much in his short life in order to attain his angel wings. May you find comfort in knowing you will never walk alone, he will always be beside you and waiting for you all at the end of your own days. Love to all

  5. Marge Deckert says

    July 5, 2024 at 11:35 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss, there just are no words…

  6. Lola Hagerty says

    July 5, 2024 at 12:15 pm

    He was a wonderful young man. Always cheerful.
    He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

  7. Trina says

    July 5, 2024 at 3:27 pm

    I’m sorry for your loss. Zeke made a big impression on everyone that came in front of him. When he came to grandma work, he wanted to know everything she was doing and see everything too. He is biggest
    sweet heart.

    Trina

  8. Carol Carruth says

    July 6, 2024 at 9:14 am

    My prayers are with you all at this time.

  9. Shari and Warrem says

    July 6, 2024 at 6:54 pm

    So sorry. Our prayers are still going up for you all. From experience, it doesn’t get easier, you just learn how to deal with it.

  10. Patti Goff says

    July 7, 2024 at 7:43 pm

    Please know that hay I’m thinking of all of you and Zeke whom I got to know from the posts on Facebook over the years. In every photo you have shared you could see the joy and love clearly for everyone. My heart hurts for all of you and I’m here for all of you just as I was when we were neighbors. May God hpd you all in the palm of his hand during thia time. Many hugs and prayers for each of you from me.

  11. Nicolle Seiller says

    July 8, 2024 at 1:56 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  12. Blakely Hay and Chris Edgington says

    July 8, 2024 at 4:12 pm

    Big love to the whole family, our hearts go out to all of you.

  13. mark lansdon says

    July 9, 2024 at 11:16 am

    Our thoughts & prayers are with you all
    Lansdon Lloyd family in Texas

  14. Wes Feist says

    July 9, 2024 at 1:20 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

  15. Shane says

    July 10, 2024 at 11:32 am

    So sorry for your loss, sending many prayers 🙏 🙏🙏🙏

  16. Dr. Andy Koth says

    July 10, 2024 at 12:08 pm

    Zeke was an amazing young man who shone brightly while with us at Seattle Children’s. HIs strength and perseverance have inspired our entire team. I will always remember his smile and am so thankful that I got to know Zeke and his loving family. Thank you, Zeke. God bless.

  17. Jess Pedersen, OT says

    July 10, 2024 at 4:52 pm

    Zeke was such a joy to be around and the time I got to share with him at Seattle Children’s will always bring a smile to my face. Our OT/PT department will always be inspired by him.

  18. Sophia says

    July 10, 2024 at 5:22 pm

    As someone who has lost important people in my life I can only imagine what you must be going through at this time. Know that your whole family shall be in my prayers. I had the amazing opportunity in my school to raise money for zeke at my middle school the amount of support that zeke had is incredible. I’m so sorry for your loss. ❤️

  19. Kate W. RN says

    July 10, 2024 at 11:21 pm

    A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” — Maya Angelou

    Zeke was an inspiration to us at Seattle Children’s. An incredible young man we will never forget. It was an honor to care for him. Sending your family lots and lots of love.

  20. Amy S. RN says

    July 11, 2024 at 10:12 am

    Zeke was an amazing young man. He made an impact on all of us and is so loved. He will be not forgotten. Sending all my love to your family.

  21. Susan Hensley says

    July 11, 2024 at 10:52 am

    Grampa Mike, my sincerest sympathy to you and all your wonderful family at this very difficult time. God Bless.

  22. Heather Mitton says

    July 12, 2024 at 9:07 am

    Alvin & Family
    I can’t imagine the loss you’re all feeling right now, but remember your son IS and WILL ALWAYS be a beautiful soul who is now in Heaven watching over you all! He was the most positive person I know!

    You’re all in my prayers!

  23. Bob Winfield says

    July 15, 2024 at 7:52 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss and are in my thoughts and prayers.

  24. Debbie Nickel says

    July 24, 2024 at 5:01 am

    Dear Lisa and Family, I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Zeke,He was such a wonderful young man, Love his laughter and his smiles, I loved to watch him from my window, shooting basketball into the rim ,and he was good! God Bless all if you, you’ll always be in my thoughts and prayers , love Larry and Debbie Nickel

  25. Darla Paul says

    October 16, 2024 at 10:33 pm

    Zeke’s smile was infectious and his positive attitude was so heartwarming. During my year with Zeke in my class, I remember walking with him in the hallway and chatting about the things he enjoyed. He will be missed. Hugs to you all.

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Service Schedule

Family Receiving Friends

6:00pm to 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday July 10, 2024

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 North Montana Ave

Helena, MT 59602

View map

Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Thursday July 11, 2024

Helena First

2210 Dodge Ave

Helena, MT

View map

Luncheon

12:00 p.m.

Thursday July 11, 2024

Helena First Gymnasium

2210 Dodge Ave

Helena, MT

View map

Share

Share this! Tweet this! Email this!

Send flowers

Please visit the floral shop page for assistance in choosing a local florist.

Photo Gallery

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