Robert Allen Copple ("Bob"), died at his home in Louisville on May 5th, 2024, at the age of 74.  He was born on March 18th, 1950, in Pender, Nebraska to Eddie and Alice (Pearson) Copple.  He was raised in Dakota City, Nebraska.  He attended high school in South Sioux City and received his college degree from Wayne State College in Industrial Arts in 1972.  Bob married Kathleen Ann Berner on August 26, 1972, at Saint Paul United Methodist Church.  Bob and Kathy had two sons, Justin and Brandon.

Bob was raised in a small community and was taught the importance of family and a good work ethic.  He was very active in the lives of his two sons and grandchildren.  The most important aspect of Bob's life was spending time with his family.  This included summers at Cedar Creek Lake, leading scouting events with his sons and grandchildren, four-wheeling, spotting blue birds and pheasants, and fishing at the Minnesota cabin.  The love of the beach and water eventually led to a winter retirement home on Sanibel Island.  Nothing made Bob happier than being able to share his home with his family and friends.  He was the ultimate chauffeur, tour guide, and shelling expert.

Anyone that knew Bob understood that he had a very strong work ethic.  After graduating college, he purchased the Chevrolet dealership in Ashland in 1973.  A few years later, he had the opportunity to purchase the Chevrolet franchise in Louisville from his father-in-law.  One of Bob's goals was to become a 50-year franchised dealer with Chevrolet and was 8 months from accomplishing that goal.

While Bob was in college, his brother Dick was diagnosed with kidney failure.  Bob donated a kidney to his brother which helped Dick live a life that may not have been possible.  Bob and Dick were one of the longest living donor / recipient combinations from the Mayo Clinic.  Dick passed this January after having Bob's kidney for 53 years.

Bob was a friend and mentor to many.  Those who knew him well appreciated his sharp wit and sense of humor.  Bob had many talents but most of all he was a wonderful craftsman and a problem solver.  He was a testament that if you put your mind and energy into a challenge, anything is possible.  Bob loved working outdoors and building things with his sons and grandchildren.  He loved sharing his wisdom, skills and knowledge, and passing on the importance of respect and character by the example he set.

Bob is survived by his wife, Kathy, children Justin Copple (Jennifer Clark) and Brandon (Michaela) Copple; grandchildren Gavin, Madeline, Aiden, and London Copple; Cruz and Tommy Copple, brother Jerry (Cheryl) Copple; sister-in-law, Carol Copple and mother-in-law, Mary Berner.  Bob was preceded in death by parents Eddie and Alice Copple, and brother Richard Copple.  He will also be missed by his extended family and the many friends he has made over the years.

Bob was a private person, a silent giver, and did not need or want praise or accolades.  He wants everyone's last memory of him to be when he was happy and healthy.  For that reason, Bob's request was to not have a funeral service.  As a memorial, next time you are enjoying nature, please think of a way he impacted your life.  Or if you are working on a project, think of him and he may send down a pro tip.

The family thanks you for respecting their privacy and allowing them time to grieve and heal.  They look forward to your company and sharing stories at a later time.

Memorials are suggested to be sent to the Copple Family.  Bob has requested that these are distributed to the Mayo Clinic Kidney Foundation, the Arbor Day Foundation, and a project in the Louisville community.

Arrangements by Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home, Louisville, NE  402-234-3985.