Wallace Edward 'Ed' Kopple, 80
HARBESON - Wallace Edward "Ed" Kopple passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters, on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.
Ed was born in Milford, son of the late Wallace Earl and May (Ellingsworth) Kopple. He was a lifetime resident of Harbeson and was very active in his community and the surrounding area throughout his life. Ed graduated in 1959 from Georgetown High School and went on to briefly attend University of Delaware. In his early years, Ed worked alongside his family on their farm raising poultry and working with their dairy operation. As the years passed he mastered jobs in other fields such as the timber industry, in masonry with George Chappell, in fabrics and upholstery with Colliers Trim Shop, school bus driver, and for several years he worked with Megee Plumbing and Heating. After issues developed with his health, Ed went back to college and received his Associate Degree in Computer Programming at Delaware Tech and worked at Wor-Wic Tech for many years in the IT Department.
Ed was a 70-year, third generation member of Harbeson UM Church. Church was very important to Ed, and the Kopple family. Ed was currently the churches longest living member. He served on numerous committees throughout the years including, Chairman of the Board and Trustee. He was also an active member of The Henlopen Ruritan Club and later The Sussex Central Ruritan Club, where he served as president until January.
Ed was an early riser and enjoyed getting out and about, making his rounds, to catch up with friends and neighbors. He loved to be outdoors fishing and deer hunting. He especially enjoyed going out to eat with his family. He was always known to have a treat in his truck for dogs, and a Hershey Kiss in his pocket for friends.
In addition to his parents; Ed was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Jay Burton; and sister-in-law, Patsy Burton.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kay M. (Burton) Kopple; two daughters, Donna Kopple (Gary Johnson), and Dottie Lank (Nick); five grandchildren, Gary Johnson, Jr., Jamel Johnson, Jayden Johnson, Axl Lank and Ella Lank; two brothers-in-law, Ray Burton and John Burton (Betty) and their family; as well as several close family and friends who checked in on Ed and Kay frequently.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal Street, Milton. A time of visitation for family and friends will begin at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Harbeson Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Ed's name to Harbeson UM Church, PO Box 45, Harbeson, DE 19951, Sussex Central Ruritan, c/o Sharlene Manship, 22462 Reynolds Pond Rd., Ellendale, DE 19941, or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Online condolences are welcome for the family at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com