Dean Koppen

Dean Charles Koppen was born June 17, 1949, in Elmore, Minnesota, the son of Harold and Darlene (Lowery) Koppen. He grew up in Lakota and graduated from Lakota High School in 1967. On November 15, 1969, Dean was united in marriage to Linda Menke at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft.

Dean worked at Winnebago Industries in Forest City for eleven years before beginning a 28-year career managing the insurance agency in Lakota for Farmers Trust and Savings Bank. Following his retirement, Dean and Linda moved to Spencer in October of 2014.

Dean enjoyed an active and fulfilling life. In his younger years, he loved playing slow-pitch softball and basketball. He was an avid golfer and a devoted Iowa State Cyclones fan. More than anything, Dean cherished attending his children’s and grandchildren’s activities and spending time with his family.

Faith and service were central to Dean’s life. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ledyard and the Knights of Columbus. He also served his community as a mayor and councilman, and a member of the Lakota Fire Department and Lakota EMS. After moving to Spencer, he remained involved in the church through Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

Dean Koppen passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 77.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda Koppen of Spencer; two daughters, Robyn (Mark) Peterson of Atlantic and Sara (Brad) Schmidt of West Des Moines; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Tyler (Rhiannon) Hovey and their children, Judge, Onyx, and Aspyn; Ashley (Hunter) Abrahamson and their daughter, Oakley; Aaron (fiancée Morgan Dehning) Weringa; Bode Schmidt; and Brady Schmidt. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Darlene Koppen; his brother, Jay Harold Koppen; and his sister, Sandra Smith.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spencer. Dean’s family will greet friends one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Graveside inurnment will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Ledyard.

Oakcrest Funeral Home of Algona is in charge of arrangements.
Geelan Funeral Home of Spencer is assisting at his Funeral Mass.