Rene Julius Copes 

Age 92, of Chesaning, passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2022 at home surrounded by his family. 

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am on Monday, April 4, 2022 at St. Peter Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends at McGeehan Funeral Homes Martin Chapel on Sunday, April 3rd from 4:00pm to 8:00pm with a Rosary at 7:00pm. Visitation will also be held 9:00am Monday at church until the time of Mass. 

Rene was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 3, 1929, the son of the late Zefferino and Victoria (Sylvestre) Copes. He graduated from Corunna High School. Rene married Mary Louise Gerding on May 14, 1955 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Chesaning; they were just shy of celebrating 68 years of marriage this year. Rene worked at Mitchel Corp. before starting CHW, Inc., from which he retired. He was also a faithful member of St. Peter Parish. 

Rene leaves to cherish his memory, wife of 67 years, Mary L. Copes; 7 children, Victoria (James) Griffin, Kathy Copes, Joe (Kris) Copes, John (Tammy) Copes, Dennis (Amy) Copes, Dan (Patti) Copes, and Christopher Copes; 11 grandchildren, Jamison, Jennifer, Taylor, Trevor, Alex, Mia, Abbey, Tess, Averi, Chelsie and Ivy; and 4 great-grandchildren. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Zefferino and Victoria Copes; sisters, Virginia, Elaine, and Delores; and brother, Carl. 

Those desiring may make contributions in Rene’s name to the Shiawassee Humane Society or a charity of your choice. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Absolute Home Health and Hospice.