Phyllis Ellen Copeland

Phyllis Ellen Bloedel was born on June 27, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Harvey August Bloedel and Dorothy Florence (Kula) Bloedel. A few years later, she was blessed with the arrival of her beloved sister, Carrie. Phyllis spent her childhood in Dearborn and St. Clair Shores before marrying David Dilks on August 10, 1963.

Together they raised their family, eventually moving to Curran, Michigan, with their three children, Laura, Jeff, and Katie. While living in Curran, Phyllis worked at the Curran General Store. The family later moved to McCollum Lake, where she began a career in the Medical Records Department at Alpena General Hospital. She made many lifelong friendships there and always looked forward to the monthly gatherings with her fellow retirees.

On April 21, 1999, Phyllis married Robert “Rob” Copeland, who also worked at the hospital. They made their home in Ossineke on beautiful Thunder Bay before later settling in Herron.

Phyllis found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved ceramics, crocheting, spending time outdoors, and trying her luck at casinos across the country – especially Las Vegas, where she enjoyed many memorable trips with her dear friend, Donna Held. She enjoyed traveling and made countless treasured memories with Rob, family, and friends. Summer days were often spent by the pool, watching her grandchildren laugh and play – moments that brought her immense happiness. She also adored her faithful dog, Charlie, who will miss her dearly.

Anyone who knew Phyllis knew she spoke her mind with honesty and humor. She never hesitated to tell you exactly what she was thinking, and those who loved her wouldn’t have had it any other way. She loved her morning cups of coffee, card games, laughter with friends and family, and making memories with her in-laws at the Copeland cabin on the Au Sable River. Her quick wit, unmistakable honesty, and unwavering love for the people in her world left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

More than anything, Phyllis cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and delighted great-grandmother whose greatest joy came from spending time with those she loved. One of her greatest joys was meeting her first great-granddaughter, Lucy.

She is survived by her loving husband, Robert “Rob” Copeland; her sister, Carrie Mulrenin (Bob); her children, Laura Ritsema (Dean), Jeff Dilks (Cristy), and Katie Kloth (Dan); her grandchildren, Ben (Jayme), Sam, Jack, Dominick, Draven, Ryder, and Hunter; her precious great-granddaughter, Lucy; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Dorothy Bloedel; her beloved son, Keith; and her former husband, David Dilks.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena for the compassionate care they provided, especially the Cardiac Catheterization team, whose extraordinary care and kindness meant so much to our family.

Though our hearts are broken, we find peace in knowing Phyllis is no longer suffering and has been reunited with her beloved son, Keith, in the presence of her Savior. Her laughter, honesty, unconditional love, and the countless memories she gave us will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her.

Arrangements are being handled by Bannan Funeral Home. A celebration of Phyllis’s life will be announced at a later date.