Marna J. Copeland's Obituary
Marna J. Copeland, age 85 died peacefully on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at Bethany Home, with her family at her side. Marna fought the effects of a severe stroke for almost 23 years, defying doctors’ predictions many times that “she wasn’t going to make it”. Everyone knew she was a fighter.
Marna was born to Gordon and Thelma (Nord) Williamson on January 30, 1938 in Minneapolis. She married Douglas K Copeland on May 12, 1956. Together they raised two children: Barbara, and Thomas. When the children were young Marna was originally a homemaker and active in many things including church and her children’s schools. As the children grew and reached Junior and Senior High, the family moved to Waupaca.
Marna took this opportunity to open her own businesses. The Rag Peddler opened in the mid-70s to sell samples Doug had purchased as a sales representative for the Arrow Shirt Company. Over time, she added other salesmen’s samples and eventually becoming a full line menswear shop. At this point the name was changed to Gentry Ltd. and moved to a larger storefront on North Main St. When the shop grew to need an even larger space, it moved to South Main St. and the North Main location became Junior’s Plus, a ladies clothing shop. Many long-time Waupaca residents will remember Marna from the cheerful service she provided at both stores. Marna was active in the Chamber of Commerce, serving as its President in the mid-1980s.
Marna enjoyed being a member of the Waupaca Country Club and Glacier Wood Golf Course in Iola. She loved golfing until her stroke in 2000. After her stroke, she enjoyed going over to the Glacier Wood course and visiting with her many friends.
She also was an active member of St Mark’s Episcopal church, serving as a member of the Vestry and the choir. She planned some of the earliest Lesson’s and Carols services at the church. After her stroke she found great joy in attending services at St Mark’s, visits from her church family and hosting gatherings of Markswomen or patio liturgies at her Iola home.
Marna is survived by her children, Barbara Conradt, Waupaca and Thomas Copeland, Salzburg Austria; her grandchildren, Kari (Davin) Schwartz, Waupaca and Kyle (Cara) Conradt, Appleton. She also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Jonathan Schwartz and William Conradt, brother, Thomas (Sandra) Williamson.
She was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Douglas, her parents, Gordon and Thelma Williamson, two younger brothers, James and Steven Williamson, and her son-in -law Keith Conradt.
The family wants to note special thanks to the directors and staff at Bethany for their caring and love for Marna during her 5 years as a resident of Bethany Home.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Waupaca. Services will be live-streamed through St. Mark’s Episcopal Church facebook page or clickhere
A reception will follow services at the Church. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Friday, April 28, 2023 at Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca and again on Saturday from 10:00 AM until time of service at the Church. Online condolences available at http://www.hollyfuneralhome.com
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