Alton Koppang

Alton Koppang, 83, Bismarck, ND, died Friday, January 2, 2009, at his home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Bismarck with Rev. Larry Giese officiating. Burial will be held at 2:00 PM at the ND Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 – 9:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Alton Noel Koppang was born on November 19, 1925, at Portland, ND, to Christian and Nora Grinde Koppang. He graduated from Mayville High School and served in the Army National Guard from 1950 to 1952. He received his Bachelor’s degree in education from Mayville State University and completed a Master’s degree in educational administration at the University of North Dakota. Alton’s teaching career began in Hillsboro, ND, and he went on to be Superintendent for the Ayr, ND, and the Clifford-Galesburg, ND, school districts. Alton moved to Bismarck in 1963 and became part of the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction and during his career was involved in Civil Defense Adult Education, Title 1 Programs, School Transportation, Finance and Reorganization, until his retirement in 1990. Alton started working with the Boy Scouts of America in 1967 when his son, Chris, joined Cub Scouts. He continued to work with Troop 123 at Faith Lutheran Church for many years. He received the Baden Powell award and the Silver Beaver Award for his distinguished service to youth. Alton was a long-time member of the Capital City Kiwanis Club and Golden K, and a member of the Retired Teacher’s Association. He is survived by four children: Angie Koppang, Vermillion, SD, Chris Doreen Koppang, Bismarck, Lorraine Ken Weber, Alexandria, MN, and Kathy Mark Baerlocher, Bismarck; twelve grandchildren, Wendy Arik Spencer, Melissa Koppang, Jessica Gilge, CJ Koppang, Cory Koppang, Courtney Koppang, Alyssa, Amanda and Norah Baerlocher, Lucas Weber, Brandon and Joey Pam Fischer; six great-grandchildren; three sisters, Audrey Lloyd Erickson, Helen Strand, Solveig Marlin Flaten; and three sisters-in-law, Phyllis Koppang, Judy Koppang, and Marilyn Koppang. He is also survived by Fran Koppang, Bismarck. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Victor, Gordon, Myron, and Richard; and his brother-in-law, Ardell Strand. The family wishes to thank Bismarck-Burleigh Nursing Services, especially Lisa, for their care over the past several years.

Alton Koppang

November 19, 1925 - January 2, 2009