SPENCER — Dean Charles Koppen, 77, of Spencer, passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Koppen was born in Elmore, Minnesota, and grew up in Lakota, where he graduated from Lakota High School in 1967. He married Linda Menke on November 15, 1969, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft, beginning a marriage that lasted 56 years.
Koppen worked for Winnebago Industries in Forest City for 11 years before moving into a long career in insurance. He spent 28 years managing the insurance agency in Lakota for Farmers Trust and Savings Bank. After retiring, he and Linda moved to Spencer in 2014.
Family was central in Koppen’s life. He loved following the activities of his children and grandchildren, and he also enjoyed slow-pitch softball, basketball, golfing and cheering for the Iowa State Cyclones.
Koppen also gave many years to his church and community. He was active at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ledyard and with the Knights of Columbus. In Lakota, he served as mayor, councilman, firefighter and EMS member. After moving to Spencer, he continued his involvement through Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; two daughters, Robyn Peterson and Sara Schmidt; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
A Funeral Mass was held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spencer, with family greeting friends one hour before the Mass. Graveside inurnment was held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Ledyard.
Oakcrest Funeral Home of Algona is in charge of arrangements, and Geelan Funeral Home of Spencer assisted with the Funeral Mass. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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