Michael (Mike) Francis Koppinger

Born April 1, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan, he was the oldest son of the late Matthew and Marjorie (McCarty) Koppinger.

Mike graduated from Edsel Ford High School, Dearborn Michigan in 1966 before leaving for the Army and the Vietnam War in 1968. Mike was a decorated Vietnam Veteran for his bravery and heroic efforts he received the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Sharpshooter Badge. He worked at the Detroit News for many years after returning from the war, and he raised his children in Dearborn Heights, MI. He later moved to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where he bought and operated the Crosscut Cafe and Motel in Champion, MI for 10 years. He then worked and retired from the United States Postal Service in Marquette, MI until 2011 and moved with his wife Cheryl to Winter Haven, FL for their retirement years.

Mike loved riding his motorcycle and playing his guitar. He was an avid bow-hunter and fisherman. He was a Champion Volunteer firefighter/fire chief, and a past Champion Lions Club Member. In 2002, he was one of the founding members of the Forgotten Eagles of Michigan Veteran’s Service Organization that was formed to support the awareness and accountability of the POW/MIA issue and to assist all needy Michigan Veterans. They raised funds for the Michigan Veteran’s Trust Fund, and for the two Michigan Veteran’s homes. He was Chapter 1 President for 5 years.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Cheryl (Tauriainen) Koppinger, children Michelle Henry, Matthew (Julie) Koppinger and Maria Koppinger. Step children, Sherry (Mike) Sullivan, Shelly Covell, Angela (Jason) Micheau, Rick (Melissa) Covell and Laura Newland. He had 15 beloved Grandchildren. Siblings Marge (Sam) Dicriscio, Lawrence (Kim) Koppinger, Stephen (Sandy) Koppinger, Mary (Emil) Pellegrini, Terri (James) Phethean, Lynn (Mark) Cowsert and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Friday, April 20, 10:00 am at St. Sebastian’s Catholic Church in Dearborn Heights, MI. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, 3000 Monroe Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, or DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans, 425 Fisher Street, Marquette, MI 49855.