Cover photo for Robert  "Bob" Koplin's Obituary
Robert  "Bob" Koplin Profile Photo
1935 Robert 2020

Robert "Bob" Koplin

April 19, 1935 — June 5, 2020

Robert "Bob" Koplin, 85, of Red Wing, died Friday, June 5, 2020, at his home. He was born April 19, 1935, in Rochester, MN to Julius and Blanche (Bounds) Koplin. He graduated in 1953 from Red Wing Central High School and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, where he received his degree in chemistry. Prior to being drafted in the US Army, he was on his way to try out for the Green Bay Packers, having been a stand-out football player and captain while at UWRF. But duty called, and he served his country from 1958-1960 until he was honorably discharged. On December 22, 1956, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Vivian Hemmingson and not a day went by their entire marriage without him saying "I love you".
Bob started his career working with his father and brother-in-law at Corner Grocery/Red Owl, which he eventually co-owned and operated. Though its location has changed, the store is still proudly owned and operated by his family today, Koplin's Village Market. Bob was active in the Red Wing community throughout his life and had been instrumental in getting the first hockey arena built in Red Wing. He was also a part of the ELC advisory board, RW Hockey Association and was a member of United Lutheran Church, serving on various boards, ushered and was a part of the Men's Cooking Team.
No matter where Bob was going, he took his fishing pole-there was always time for fishing and one more cast. He enjoyed his time on the river and going to the family cabin in Frontenac, which he bought in 1968. He was also a sports fanatic, and never missed his children's sporting events. Family trips were taken every summer when his children were growing up and being with his family and grandchildren has remained one of the most important things to him.
He is survived by his wife, Vivian; 5 children, Julie (Darold) Glander of Red Wing, Cheryl Koplin of Red Wing, Rick (Tracy) Koplin of Bay City, WI, and Randy and Cory Koplin both of Red Wing; 5 grandchildren, Andrew and Matt Glander and Cameron, Brendan and Julia Koplin; 1 sister, Nancy (Gordy) Robinson of Rice, MN and brother-in-law, Don Fimon.
He was preceded in death by 4 sisters, Belva Fiala, Bette Johnson, Velma Yetter and Norma Fimon.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at United Lutheran Church with Rev. Justin Boeding officiating. Due to the MN State COVID restrictions, funeral is open to the public but to a limited capacity. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Face masks are encouraged at all events and social distancing will be enforced. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneral.com

Visitation

JUN 9. 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CST)

Mahn Family Funeral Home - Bodelson-Mahn Chapel
602 Plum St,
Red Wing, MN 55066

Visitation

JUN 10. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CST)

United Lutheran Church
628 West 5th Street
Red Wing, MN 55066

Funeral Service

JUN 10. 11:00 AM (CST)

United Lutheran Church
628 West 5th Street
Red Wing, MN 55066
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert "Bob" Koplin, please visit our flower store.

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