Josephine Esther Clark-Coppens

Josephine Esther Clark-Coppens
Merrill, Ml
Passed away: Peacefully of natural causes, at Schnepps Senior Care in St. Louis, Ml. Age: 94 years.
The daughter of Joseph Wm. Clark and Blanche E Gotts Clark, was born at home, on the Families Centennial Farm in Lakefield twp. on September 4, 1925. She attended Country school in Lakefield and graduated from Merrill High School, then married John (Jack) Coppens on March 25, 1944. He predeceased her, October 31, 2001. Mr. and Mrs. Coppens were actively engaged in farming and Josephine (Jo) worked on the farm as well as being a mother, gardener, avid canner of produce, and housewife. She always hosted large family dinners for holidays and many other events. The Christmas tree was always put up in the afternoon, promptly after Thanksgiving dinner. Josephine published her own "Favorite Recipes" cookbook, written in her own handwriting for her family. She was active at St Patrick's Church until its closing, then continued attending services at Sacred Heart Church in Merrill, now the combined three churches are St. John XXIII. She and her husband were both active at the K of C Hall, and volunteered for many events and fundraisers.
Surviving her are two sons and two daughters: Kenneth (Ruth) Coppens, Merrill, Patricia Watson, Hemlock, Gary (Cheryl) Coppens, Hemlock and Cindy (Greg) Wenzel, of Merrill. Eight Grandchildren, and Great Grandchildren, plus a Great- Great Grandchild. They include: John W. (Jenny) Coppens and Son- Jack of Freeland, Kevin (Joslyn) Coppens of Nashville, Tennessee, and daughter Sidney Coppens.
Ann (Mike) Vayre -Son's-Zackary (Sarah) Zastrow, Merrill, Nate Zastrow, Sanford, & Vance Vayre, Midland. Ken (Tamara) Coppens of Merrill. Joseph Watson of Hemlock.
Shannon (Dan) Barnum -daughter Amber, and son Danny of Merrill
Misty Wenzel-daughters Megan and Samantha and son Beau, all of Midland.
Lacey Fish-sons James, and Jax and, daughter Madison and Great-great granddaughter Layla.
One Sister, Almeda Francetic, of Merrill. Many special nieces and a nephew.
Proceeding her in death are one son & daughter in-law, John and Gretta Coppens, and a son-in-law Ronald Watson. Brothers and Sisters-in laws, Robert and Frances Clark & William and Lois Clark, and a brother-in law, Charles Francetic.
A very special THANK YOU to all the staff and caretakers at Schnepp's, who have worked diligently to make Josephine's last year's much more enjoyable.
Private Funeral service at the graveside in Lakefield Twp. Cemetery.

Mrs. Coppen's service may be viewed here