Roger Alan Copen

Roger Alan Copen

September 9, 1947 – July 24, 2025

Age 77, of Homer Glen, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Roger was born on September 9, 1947, in Joliet, IL, to the late Cecil and Rhoda (née Hill) Copen

He was the beloved husband of Kathleen (née Ciarlette) Copen for 53 years; loving father of Robin (Dustin Hulbert) Ward and Kelly (Chris) Tallarita; the best Papa to Hannah Cobb, Iris Cobb, Lana Cobb, Zander Ward, Ethan Ward, and Ava Tallarita; dear brother of Ronald Copen, Ramond Copen, Christine Copen (in infancy), and the late Connie (Jim) Kinzler; a cherished uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

After graduating Plainfield high school, Roger worked briefly as a welder before being drafted into the U.S. Army, where he proudly served during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, he furthered his education in electronics at Joliet Junior College.

Roger began his professional career as an electronics service technician, repairing televisions for Community TV and Appliance. He then spent 26 years at Silver Cross Hospital as a biomedical technician, specializing in the maintenance of dialysis machines. Roger continued his career in the biomedical field at several institutions before retiring from Target Corporation, where he worked in factory operations. In retirement, he enjoyed driving a school bus.

Roger had a wide range of passions throughout his life. In his early years, he loved camping, fishing, and biking. As time passed, he developed a deep love for woodworking and spent countless hours creating beautiful projects in his home workshop, affectionately known as “The Wood Crafter Shop.”

Above all, Roger treasured time spent with his family. He adored his 6 grandchildren, who were the light of his life, and shared a special bond with his beloved Labrador dog, Bella. He enjoyed visits to the zoo—especially the dolphin shows—and attending the White Sox and Joliet Slammers games. While he enjoyed these outings, Roger found true peace and joy simply spending time at home doing things around the house and yard.

Roger was a proud U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran and a member of the Lockport VFW Post 5788.

The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 102 E. Francis Rd., New Lenox on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, from 3 pm – 8 pm. Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, with prayers at the funeral home at 10:15 am then to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 201 S. Briggs St., Joliet, IL for Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Interment with full military honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL at 1pm.