Milton Charles Kopplin Jr., 90, of Tulare, SD, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 3, 2026, at the Eastern Star Home, Redfield, SD.

Milton (Junior) was born September 7, 1935, in Redfield, the second of six children, to Milton and Ruby (Harms) Kopplin. He attended country school through the 8th grade and then attended Tulare High School, from which he graduated in 1954. He served six years in the Army National Guard.

He married Dorothy (Otto) on June 7, 1958. They had four children, Ron, Jackie, Kimberly (stillborn), and Julie.

Milt farmed with his dad until Ron was a toddler, then he, Dorothy, and Ron packed up and moved to Salt Lake City, UT, so Milt could attend telegraph school, but the farm life beckoned him back, and the young family moved back to Tulare to farm. Milt loved farming, especially his cattle. He served on the Garfield Township Board and was a member of the Tulare United Church. He enjoyed watching NASCAR racing, and together, he and Dorothy went on many trips across the U.S., making it to all the states except for Hawaii. They recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in June.

Milton was preceded in death by his parents, stillborn daughter, sister Letha Gallup, parents-in-law Charles and Ruth Otto, and brothers-in-law Gary Nelson, Bob Vance, and Tom Gallup.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy and their three children, Ron (Deb) Kopplin of Tulare, Jackie Pappas of Rapid City, SD, and Julie (Curt) Fickbohm of Vermillion, SD; four grandchildren, Nick (Rachel) Kopplin of Redfield, Darin (Lana) Kopplin of Miller, SD, Bailey (Nathan) Aesoph of Highmore, SD, and Finn Pappas of Rapid City, as well as nine great-grandchildren, Lincoln, Lucas, Leyton; Ellys, Monroe, Sawyer; Everett, Cahill, and Norra. He is also survived by sisters Reta Rose Nelson, Joan Trenhaile, Leota Vance, and brother Bruce (Anita) Kopplin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

To honor Milton's wishes, a private service will be held. His service will be recorded and uploaded on the funeral home’s website below his obituary. Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield has been entrusted with arrangements (www.hykefuneralhome.com).