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Russell L. Koppenhaver, 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at the Reading Hospital. Born November 23, 1925 in Valley View, Schuylkill County, PA, he was the son of the late Thomas M. and Carrie L. (Schwalm) Koppenhaver. He was married to Mary Jane (Klump) Koppenhaver, Wyomissing, and they celebrated 62 wonderful years of marriage.

A graduate of Valley View High School, Russell volunteered for Service in the US Army at the age of 17. He was a WWII Combat Veteran in the Central Europe 1945 Campaigns as a member of the 75th Infantry Division, US Ninth Army, XVI Corps and 94th Signal Battalion.

He assisted in moving units from the Normandy beaches, fought in the Ardennes and Colmar Pocket, and crossed the Maas, Roer and Rhine Rivers. He was a member of the 75th Division when it attacked four German Divisions and forced the surrender of the largest number of men ever captured in a single operation.

Speaking PA-German, Russell was then able to assist with the maintenance of security for millions of conquered people and the care of 175,000 prisoners of war and displaced persons. The success of this mission had a long-range influence on the reconstruction of Germany and Allied relations. Russell was forever proud of his Service to our nation, and was decorated with the Eame Campaign, WWII Victory, and Good Conduct Medals. Russell was a member of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge Association.

Following his Honorable Discharge in 1946, Russell attended Penn State, East Stroudsburg and the University of Florida, before earning his Bachelor of Science degree at Temple University School of Pharmacy. He was a Pharmacist, working at Boyers Pharmacy, his own Koppenhaver Pharmacy, Reading Drug, Berks Heim, where he was Pharmacy Director, and finally, Kurtz Pharmacy, before retiring.

Russell embraced his faith and was a member of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church. Russell spoke PA-Dutch and was active in the PA-German Society and its many events. He and Mary Jane traveled extensively throughout the U.S., visiting all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Russell enjoyed living at the Highlands of Wyomissing, and was known to avidly walk the complex grounds, was a fixture at most social functions, and was the Highlands Bocce Ball Champion too many times to mention. He also enjoyed watching sports, cheering on the Phillies, Flyers and Penn State Football teams.

But if you had asked him, Russell would have said his greatest achievement was to stay very active in his grandchildren’s lives, and they will all miss their dear “Poppy” greatly.

In addition to Mary Jane, Russell is survived by their son James A. Koppenhaver, Wyomissing, and daughters: Lynne E., wife of Thomas Bialek, Wyomissing, and Lisa A., wife of Brian Becker, Muhlenberg. Also surviving are his seven grandchildren: Justine, wife of Rob Goddard, Callie, Austin and Catherine Koppenhaver, Madolyn and Matthew Becker, and Tommy Bialek.

Russell was predeceased by a sister Betty J. Koppenhaver.

A Celebration of Russell’s life will be held Thursday, June 28 at 12:00 noon at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading. A viewing will be held one hour prior to the Service, from 11:00am-12:00pm. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Laureldale Cemetery.

The Koppenhaver family would like to thank the dedicated staffs at the Highlands and Reading Hospital, T-Building, Second Floor, for their loving care of Russell.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.