Angels Camp, CA…Jack Allen aka “Jake” Koplen, 76 of Angels Camp, California went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Jake’s one true love, his wife, Donna Jean, was by his side, as she had been for 46 years.

Jake was born on April 5, 1948 in San Francisco, California to Ernest L. and Mary E. (Weber) Koplen. He was a 1966 graduate of San Mateo High School, San Mateo, California. After high school Jake joined the U.S. Army without hesitation, and served as a soldier in Vietnam. In 1970 Pvt. Koplen was discharged from active duty with his service officially notated as Honorable, and he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

Jake was owner and founder of “Koplen Construction,” a general contractor specializing in all phases of both commercial and residential building. He established a reputation for being focused, detail-oriented, and self motivated; he successfully made this his life’s work for over 50 years.

In June 2007 Jake undertook the arduous Tour du Canada, a bicycle ride from Vancouver to St. John pedaling 7,565 kilometres (4,710 miles); he went all the way across the country through all 10 Provinces in 73 days. He was a wonderful loving husband, a friend that could always be called upon, and a man whose handshake meant everything.

Jake was a believer in Jesus Christ and a member of Vine & Branch Fellowship. It was Jake’s faith in the saving grace of Jesus that gave him eternal joy, and his family and friends blessed hope. The pain and tears of his loss will, in time, be replaced with the precious memories and laughter of a life well lived.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Alan Kriegs of Columbia, CA and his nephew, Erick Lindberg of Redwood City, CA. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Donna Jean (Kriegs) Koplen, sister, Marie (Koplen) Lindberg (Roger); brothers, Dennis Koplen (Linda); and Paul Koplen (Carmen); nieces and nephew; John Lindberg, Jr. (Korene), Sharise Caron (Craig), Christopher Koplen (Sarah), Ross Koplen, Darlene Koplen and Melissa Kriegs-Warner (Andy); 6 great-nieces and nephews; Blake and Conor Lindberg, Lola and Gianna Caron and Alaina and Bradford Koplen.

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation at Vine & Branch Fellowship, 3710 Whittle Road, Angels Camp on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm with a Celebration of Life to begin at 2:30 pm. Ceremony will conclude at Angels Camp Altaville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vine & Branch Fellowship, and mailed to: P.O. Box 518, Angels Camp, CA 95222, or a charity of your choice.

Published online by Angels Memorial Chapel, S. Main Angels Camp, CA