Thomas John Koppelman

Thomas John Koppelman (Tom) passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, July 11, 2016, in Zionsville, Indiana. He lived and enjoyed life the way he chose right up to the very end. To know him was to like and respect him. He was kind, funny, thoughtful, enthusiastic and generous. He is greatly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends.
Tom was born in Blue Island, Illinois, on May 27, 1947. He attended and graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, Il, on a tennis scholarship. It was in Peoria that he met and married his wife, Mary Lee, and her three daughters to whom he was a loving and supportive step-dad. After moving to Zionsville, Indiana, in 1989, following a transfer with United Stationers, Tom immersed himself in civic and community activities. He had a passion and vision for making a difference and the vision and determination to follow through. As such, he was President of the Zionsville Kiwanis, President of the Board of Directors for the Community Foundation of Boone County, Board President of the Sullivan Museum Guild, vice-president of Maplelawn Farmstead Board of Directors, initiated and supported the Lincoln Park Concert Series and Symphony in the Village. Based on his contributions to the community, he and Mary Lee were awarded the Town Crier Award in 1999. He also volunteered at Second Helpings and Teachers’ Treasures in Indianapolis. After completing the Boone County Master Gardeners Class, Tom spent many happy hours “playing in the dirt” and selling his produce at the Zionsville Farmer’s Market.
Tom loved and enjoyed golf, reading, politics, traveling, live theater and the Colts. He also relished spending time in Cape Coral, Florida, during the winter.
Tom was a devoted, beloved and supportive husband to his wife of 35 years, Mary Lee; three daughters of whom he loved dearly was so very proud: Kimberly Ruff, Allison Behrens and Shannon Ullius; and, eight grandchildren in whom he delighted and who adored him: Kailee Ruff of Peoria, IL; Brian, Meredith, Natalie and Jillian Behrens of Ladue, MO; Ansley, Emma and Ava Ullius of Chalotte, NC. He is also survived by his brother, Henry Koppelman, of Atlanta, GA., and sister, Mary Ann (Koppelman) Anderson, West Bend, WI and numerous nephews and nieces.
Donations made in Tom’s name to the “Tom Koppelman Legacy Leadership Fund,” the Community Foundation of Boone County, 102 N. Lebanon St., Lebanon, IN 46052 or to Maplelawn Farmstead.