The Life of ERNEST CHARLES COPPER

Mundwiler Funeral Home (Milbank, SD) announces the death of Ernest Copper, age 84 of Ortonville, MN who died June 23rd at Ortonville.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 28th at 11 a.m. at the Mundwiler Funeral Home, in Milbank, SD.  Rev. Duane Lookingbill will officiate and burial will be in the Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines, IA  on Tuesday, June 29th at 10:00 a.m.  Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday from 4-6 p.m. and continue on Monday one hour prior to the services.  Honorary bearers will be grandsons:  Scott Anderson, Michael Anderson, T.R. Copper, Eric Longhenry, Ryan Longhenry, and Randy Longhenry.  Music will be presented by Paula Tobin, vocalist and a flute duet by Jenna Longhenry and Nicole Webster.

Ernest Charles Copper was born March 3, 1915 at Des Moines, Iowa; the son of Truman Ray and Elsie (Bailey) Copper.  He attended East High School in Des Moines and Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA.  He was united in marriage on June 17, 1941 at Des Moines, IA with Naomi Anne Johnson.  Ernest served in the United States Navy from April 24, 1944 to December 13, 1945.

The couple moved to Montevideo, MN in 1954.  Mrs. Copper died June 5, 1963.  Ernest moved to Ortonville, MN in 1964 and has since resided.  He was united in marriage on September 18, 1964 with Eunice Alice Longhenry.  Ernest had worked for the Phillips Petroleum Company for 35 years.  Then he and his wife owned and operated Longhenry Oil Company in Ortonville until his retirement.  Eunice Longhenry Copper died May 26, 1992.

Ernest was an associate member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Ortonville, MN; a member of the Masonic Lodge, the VFW and the Moose Lodge.  He enjoyed golf and football.

Ernest Copper is survived by one son, Thomas R. and wife Donna Copper of Des Moines, IA.  Twin daughters:  Anne M. Paz of Brookings, SD and Jeanne E and husband Darwin Gongieliere of Brookings, DS.  Three step sons:  Gerald and wife Kathy Longhenry of Ortonville, MN; Brian and wife Laurie Longhenry of Sarteil, MN and Larry and wife Dianne Longhenry of Amenia, NY.  One sister, Evelyn Haynes of Irvine, CA.  12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wives, one sister and one grandson.

The Mundwiler Funeral Home of Milbank is in charge of the arrangements for Ernest Copper.