Solomon Coppens, 59, of Empire died at 8 pm Monday at Munson Hospital following an illness of five years.
Mr. Coppens was born May 31, 1897, a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Coppens of Empire. Entering the coast guard in 1917, Mr. Coppens served with that branch for 15 years retiring from active duty 25 years ago.
He returned to Detroit where for 17 years he was associated with the Ford Motor Company. Retiring five years ago, he returned to Empire.
Mr. Coppens is survived by his widow, Mrs. Gertrude Coppens; three sons, John Coppens, presently serving with the coast guard out of Boston, MA, Robert Coppens, also serving with the coast guard, and James Coppens at home; three daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Matus of Suffield, CT, Mrs. Alice Diggins of South Bend, IN, and Mrs. Barbara Vogel of Xenia, OH; a sister, Mrs. Mary Desnul of Lynden, WA; two brothers, Frtiz Coppens of Traverse City, and Otto Coppens of Highland Park, IL; and 11 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 10 pm Thursday from St. Phillips Catholic Church, Empire. Interment will be in the church cemetery under the direction of American Legion Post 199, Leelanau County.
The body will remain at Bennett funeral home, Frankfort, until Wednesday afternoon.
The Rosary will be recited at 8 pm Wednesday from the home at Empire.
