Dr. Lawrence E. Koppers M.D.

Dr. Lawrence E. Koppers, M.D., age 68, passed away at home with his wife at his side on November 4, 2009. 
Larry was born on December 14, 1940 to Aloysius and Lucile (Foster) Koppers. Larry graduated as valedictorian of St. Mary’s High School, Pittsburgh, Kansas in 1958, Rockhurst College in 1962, and the University of Kansas Medical Center in 1966.
Dr. Koppers completed his internal medicine and endocrinology fellowship at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, and taught at the Mayo Medical School in 1973.  He served as a captain in the United States Army Medical Corps from 1967 to 1969.  He returned to Kansas City in 1973 to begin private practice. Larry loved teaching and was a full clinical professor of medicine at the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine. He was a brilliant diagnostician, and the “doctor’s doctor”. Many Kansas City physicians credit Dr. Koppers with their fund of knowledge. His awards and commendations were numerous.   He was a fellow of the American College of Physicians, as well as the American College of Clinical Endocrinologists. He served as the President of the Greater Kansas City Southwest Clinical Society, as a member of the Board of Directors of Blue Cross Blue Shield from 1976 to 1983, and as a member of the Rockhurst University Board of Regents.
Larry leaves behind his beloved wife Ann (Guilfoyle) Koppers, who was the light of his life, their three sons, Bill and wife Missy (Vosburgh) Koppers, Chris Koppers and Danny Koppers, and his four beautiful granddaughters, Nikki, Brittany, Cameron, and Melissa, all of whom enriched his life since the day that each was born. He adored those four precious girls. He is also survived by his two sisters, Anne Klotz and Wisha (Gary) Rose, his sisters in law, Kathleen (Brian) Brady and Trish (Mike) Sullivan. Ann and Larry shared a lifetime of love, friendship and respect. They were surrounded by dear friends. They had many marvelous trips together. Larry was happiest when he was with Ann. They enjoyed hosting Thanksgiving every year for family and friends. Larry had a wonderful sense of humor and was a true intellect. He was generous to all, and was a loyal friend, always there for everyone. He had a deep and abiding faith which enabled him to endure his last days of suffering. Larry was a dedicated husband, father, and physician, whose death leaves a huge void in our lives. The family wishes to thank all of our friends, family, and Kansas City Hospice.
Visitation will be at Cure’ of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, Kansas from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 6, with the Rosary prayed there at 7:30 p.m. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2009, at Cure’ of Ars. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Fr. Maurice VanAckeren Scholarship Fund at Rockhurst University or to Cure’ of Ars Catholic Church.
Arrangements – McGilley State Line Chapel – 816-942-6180.