Mick Koppendrayer

Millard Bailey “Mick” Koppendrayer was born December 17, 1939, at home in Borgholm Township, Mille Lacs, MN, the second of ten children of John and Marilla (Lincoln) Koppendrayer. He was born three months early, the doctor held him in one hand, saying he weighed “2 or 3 lbs.” He was kept warm in a box on the oven door and fed with an eye dropper until he was able to nurse.

When he was ten, his parents bought an 80-acre farm east of Pease, MN. In his youth he enjoyed rollerskating at Rush City or going to the movies. In 1962 Mick joined the Navy but was discharged after 2½ months for sleepwalking. While in basic training, he became interested in model trains and enjoyed collecting them.

He married Thorlene Torgrimson on June 26, 1965 and they had five children. They later divorced. He married Delores Fichtinger on Dec 28, 1979. They later divorced.

Mick worked as a machinist in various factories, retiring in 2003 and in 2005 took up part time work at the Milaca American Legion as a cleaner. When not working he enjoyed going to garage sales, shooting pool, and woodworking. He became a resident of Milaca Elim Home in 2022.

Mick is survived by his children, Michael Koppendrayer, Randy (Barb) Koppendrayer, Vicki Satre, and Joel (Danielle) Koppendrayer; daughter-in-law Bev Torgrimson; grandchildren Dylan, Kasey; Kayla, Karla (Alex), Scott, Sam; Joshua, Celeste (Daniel); Emily and Katelyn; great-grandchildren Kennedy, Nico, and Dexter; siblings, Merlin (Bev), Bob (Judi), Madeline Krotzer, Mary (Jim) Tidd, Elaine, Ron (Sandy), and Nyla Noggle; aunt Del (Jim) Heath; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by son, Dennis Torgrimson; his parents, his former wives, special friends Ruth Noack and Lynn Loscheider; brothers, James (Linda) and Paul; brothers-in-law, Gary Krotzer, Sr., Dennis Noggle and other family.

A graveside service will take place at 11 AM on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Pease Cemetery, Pease, MN. A potluck luncheon will be held at the Gorecki Building 435 – 2nd St. NW, Milaca following the burial service.