Robert G. Coplan

The Honorable Robert G. Coplan, 73DURAND The Honorable Robert Galen Coplan, 73, died early Monday morning, November 9, as a result of cancer, in his home surrounded by his children.  Born June 1, 1936 in Taylorville, IL, to Franklin S. and Hannah Elizabeth (Brubaker) Coplan. He received his bachelors  and law degrees from the University of Illinois, Champaign.  While in college, he was a member of the University of Illinois Track Team.  After graduation, he was a Sergeant E-5 in the Illinois National Guard. He married Sarah Finzer on July 19, 1969 in Chicago.  She died January 25, 1984.  A devoted single father, he raised four children, two sons and two daughters. He came to Rockford in 1962 to serve as an assistant states attorney and then as a magistrate in Winnebago County from 1965 to 1968.   He served in private practice and was a partner in the law firm of Berry & Simmons from 1968 to 1970 and Connolly, Oliver, Goddard, Coplan & Close from 1971 to 1986. He also was the Durand Village Attorney from 1968 to 1986. A respected attorney, he was named an associate circuit judge in the 17 th Judicial Circuit in 1986 and then was appointed and later elected a Circuit Judge.  While Circuit Judge, he was named chief judge.   He retired in 2004. Robert (Cope) enjoyed fly fishing,  particularly at his cabin in Brule, Wisconsin where he spent several  weeks each year with friends and family.  A loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bears and the Illini, he also enjoyed gardening, attending  Rockford Symphony Orchestra concerts and reading.  He is survived by his children, Joshua B., Janesville, WI; Sarah Taylor (Neal) Jain, Madison, WI; Jessica C. Coplan, Durand; and Clayton B. Coplan, Loves Park; grandchildren, Priya E. Jain and Kaiden G. Moore; brother Ronald F. Coplan, Morrison, IL; sister Grace A. Eckland, Lake Geneva, WI,  and numerous nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his parents, wife Sarah, and daughter, Jaime. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 14, at Court Street  United Methodist Church, 215 N. Court Street. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, November 13, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family.  Condolences and memories can be shared at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.