Ronald Franklin Coplan, 88, of Valparaiso, Indiana, formerly of Morrison, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2025. He was born September 24, 1937, in Taylorville, Il to Franklin S. & Hanna E. (Brubaker) Coplan. Ronald graduated from the University of Illinois, then served proudly with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1959 - 1962, before receiving his Juris Doctorate from U of I Law School. He established his law practice in Morrison, IL, practicing for 58 years until age 85.
In 1964 in Champaign, IL, he married Rosemary Winters who survives and currently resides in Milwaukee, WI. He is also survived by his children Geoffrey (Teri) Coplan of Valparaiso, Gregory (Lori) Coplan of Clover, SC & Amanda Coplan of Cudahy, WI, and his sister, Grace Eckland, grandchildren: Arianna, Hunter, Paige, Jordan, Camille, Noah & Mason, and great-grandson, Torren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Robert G. Coplan.
Ron’s life was one of service and engagement. Following his three years of active duty, he served in the Marine Corps Reserve until 1976, completing 17 years and resigning his commission as a Major. He was a member of the Morrison Rotary Club for over fifty years, participating in numerous philanthropic activities and enjoying life-long friendships to his final days. He was a member of the board of trustees at Sauk Valley Community College. Ron was an active member of the Morrison United Methodist Church serving in leadership positions, reading scripture, providing a solid bass voice in the choir, and at times offering a sermon or two. Professionally, Ronald held several positions outside of his private practice as the City Attorney for Sterling, Fulton, and Mount Carroll, IL.
If you looked, you would find Ron flipping pancakes at the annual Volunteer Fire Department pancake breakfast, serving chili for the MHS Booster Club, volunteering during Harvest Hammer, or coaching Little League Baseball with his friend and co-coach Norm Edlund. He timed races at swim meets and track meets. Ron was a life-long St. Louis Cardinals fan, a condition that skipped a generation and infected his granddaughter, Jordan.
Following cremation at Angelcrest Crematory, a Celebration of Ronald’s Life will be held at the Morrison United Methodist Church on January 17th, 2026. In lieu of flowers or donations, our family asks that you give a hug, offer a pat on the back and words of encouragement, or share a chocolate milkshake with your family and friends.
GUESTBOOK
My sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP my friend. -Steve Osborn
Ron was a true friend whose counsel I valued and probably overused. He was able to share with me his values and help make me a better person. His service to country and community were his bedrock. With Ron, a scotch and one hour would solve most issues. -Randy Boonstra
Ron was a long time friend. Involvement in many community activities over the years have created lasting memories, especially those MMTA days. RIP Ron. Thank you for that lifetime of memories. -Carolyn Aiken
So sorry to hear about cousin Ron, remember time in Kewannee and Dent, MN. Rest in peace. -Timothy R Coplan
My sincere condolences to Ron’s family. He was such a kind and sincere man. I had the pleasure of getting to know him during Morrison Music Theatre’s production of Mame. Also, my father (Chuck Woodson) spoke very highly of Ron. -Wendy Ivey Maher
