Clarence Copler

Clarence Copler

Marion

Clarence Daryl Copler, 84, of Marion, passed away March 13, 2023, at The Views in Marion. In agreement with his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or service.

Daryl was born Dec. 21, 1938, in Sioux Falls, S.D., to parents, Clarence Joseph and Veva (Collins) Copler. He grew up in Harrisburg, S.D. In 1960 he married Carol Nagel, and they had a son, Steve. They later divorced. On Oct. 1, 2001, he married Sylvia Bowen Safley in Cedar Rapids. Daryl spent his working years at Cedar Rapids Block, Link-Belt, Linn-Mar Community Schools and P & D Welding.

He was very proud to have served in the U.S. Marine Corps. In 2021 he was selected to go on the Cedar Rapids Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. and was extremely happy that his grandson Ryan was able to accompany him. Semper Fi!

Over the years, he enjoyed woodworking, golfing, puttering around the house, mowing the yard, watching football, golf, basketball and old westerns on TV. He also enjoyed just sitting on the bench in front of the house waving at people as they drove by. In recent years, he started reading books on World War II and various battles. He cherished the many trips he and Sylvia took, especially to the World War II battlefields in Europe that were on his bucket list. They also went on many trips with the Farmer’s State Bank Connect Club in the United States and overseas. Many new friends were made on some of those trips. He was a member of the Cedar Rapids Antique Automobile Club. Daryl took great pride in his Oldsmobiles and enjoyed driving them on the various trips the club took.

Daryl is survived by his wife, Sylvia; his former wife, Carol; his son, Steve; his daughter-in-law, Teri Gibson; and his grandson, Ryan; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Betty; and his brothers, Jack, Dean and Ted.

A special thanks to his medical doctors over the years: David Kresnicka, Charles Pruchno and Jennifer Wittman for their great care. Also, a special thanks to his doctors (Dr. Kutteh and Dr. Wilbur) and all the staff at Hall Perrine & all of the staff at St. Croix Hospice for their wonderful and compassionate care.

He said many times, “I love life and I love fun.” He will be dearly missed but will always remain in our hearts and memories.

Memorial donations may be directed to Hall Perrine Cancer Center at 701 10th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403; or The Freedom Foundation, P.O. Box 1422, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.