Patricia Frances Copeman

Patricia Frances Copeman, 75, of Grundy Center, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at UnityPoint Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. Visitation will be held at Bethany Presbyterian Church on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.abelsfuneralhomes.com

Patty was born on June 18, 1950, at Allen Hospital in Waterloo, to her parents Arnold and Dorothy (Wilson) Reynolds. She lived the majority of her life in Grundy Center and graduated from Grundy Center High School in the class of 1968. Patty then went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from University of Northern Iowa. She was united in marriage to James Copeman on May 31, 1970, at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Grundy Center. Together they made their home in Grundy Center and welcomed their son Jeff and their daughter Leslie into their family.

Patty began her teaching career in Parkersburg and then worked for many years at Grundy Center Elementary School, retiring in 2007. She made a significant impact on the lives of children she taught and was loved by all her students. Patty gave back and served God while serving both First Presbyterian Church and later Bethany Presbyterian Church.

Patty was a member of the Grundy Center Sorority, the Grundy Women’s Club, a number of book clubs, and the Women of the Water Club at Crane Lake. Patty also enjoyed sunning, boating and fishing with her family at Crane and Big Bass Lakes. Patty also served on the Kling Memorial Library Board of Directors for many years. She loved to play golf with her husband and enjoyed bible studies together. Jim and Patty also loved spending their winters in Arizona for many years. She spent her days playing cards, shopping, sunning and time with family and close friends. Her true joy in life came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Patty is survived by her husband Jim Copeman; her son Jeff Copeman; daughter Leslie (Jess) Michaelsen; grandchildren Tenley and Niya Copeman and Grant and Carlie Michaelsen and was about to welcome her first great-grandson; sisters Carol Jane Thompson; Barbara Kruse, Arna Reynolds, Charla (Dan) Davis; brother John (Casey) Reynolds; sisters-in-law Barb (Darrel) Shuey; Kim Shuey; brothers-in-law Randy and Dave Copeman; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers-in-law Bob Kruse and Bob Thompson.