Donald Joseph Coplan
ESCANABA — Donald Joseph Coplan, 54, of Escanaba, entered eternal rest on June 14, 2025 after battling a bout with cancer for many years. He was born September 22, 1970 in Escanaba, to Harold F. and Stella (Syta) Coplan. He graduated from Escanaba High School in 1989. Don was very active in Jr. and Sr. Varsity Football and was named All UP Defensive Tackle in 1989.
Don graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1995 with a bachelor’s of science in behavior psychology. Throughout the years he obtained additional degrees and certificates of completion from Bay College. He was always learning something new.
He resided in Kingsford, Michigan and worked as a job coach for TRICO Opportunities until it closed. His latest job was at Miller Products in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Don loved and breathed football, was an avid supporter of the Packers, Eskymos, and Flivvers teams. He was a mentor / coach in football to very special friend Levi who excelled in the sport throughout his KHS years and made Don very proud. Don attended almost every game he played to cheer him on, especially when the Flivvers rivaled the Eskymos.
He loved children, dogs and all his cousins. He was very dedicated to his church, friends, and employers. He will be missed by all who knew him. His kindness and generosity to others will be long remembered.
Don is survived by his parents, brother David Coplan, sister JoAnn (Don) Dombrowski, a niece, a nephew, one grand niece and soon to be born grand nephew, several aunts and uncles, many special cousins and many special friends. Predeceased by both maternal and paternal grandparents.
Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. CDT Friday, June 27 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Norway, Michigan. Celebrating the life of Donald Joseph Coplan will be held at 11 a.m., Friday at the Bethany Lutheran Church with Rev. David Johnson officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Don requested that attendees dress in Esky, Packers or Flivvers apparel or casual attire, no dress up. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Menominee Range Historical Foundation or the Delta County Historical Society. Burial at Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells, Michigan will take place at a later date. The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the Coplan family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net. 