Robert Koper

Robert Peter Koper was born in Waukegan, Illinois to Adam and Amelia Koper. He passed in Denver, CO on January 6, 2022.

He leaves behind his wife of 65 years (married December 29, 1956), Dian Koper; his children Denise Koper Hopkins (Kraig Hopkins) and Adam Koper (Lydia Koper); grandchildren Adam Koper Jr., Liam Koper and a new grandson on the way. His siblings Mary, Stella, Stephanie, Anne, Edward and Steve Koper have all passed before him.

He earned a BS in Music from the University of Illinois; his Masters in Music came from Catholic University of America; his Doctorate of Music Education was once again from University of Illinois.

He retired as a Full Professor of Music from Western Illinois University after serving 29 years.  He was a bassoonist with The Camerata Woodwind Quintet from founding to retirement.  Before W.I.U. Robert taught at Auburn University and Quincy College.  He was formerly a member of the Columbus Symphony, Memphis Symphony, Knox-Galesburg Symphony, Jacksonville Symphony, Peoria Symphony, Quincy Symphony and United States Marine Band. In the 1970’s and 80’s during Summer breaks, Robert taught at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and Interlochen Center for the Arts – both located in Michigan.

One of his achievements was The Camerata Woodwind Quintet formed in 1966 which was the first ensemble- in-residence at W.I.U. and distinguished itself not only through formal concerts and performances with symphony orchestras throughout the Midwest, but in hundreds of school concerts under the auspices of Young Audiences, Inc and with twenty recordings for Music Minus One Inc. They had a history of international outreach and its performances in countries such as Poland, Yugoslavia, Mexico, and China were notably significant.

His military credentials included  Sergeant of the Marine Corp, member of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, the oldest professional music organization in the United States, Washington DC circa 1954.

He was the kindest man we ever knew.

In lieu of flowers please donate in his name to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Smile Train .