Terese Marie Koppen

Terese Marie Koppen (née Duren), age 69, of Newport, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love and family on February 20, 2026.

Terese was born September 21, 1956, in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she was raised. After graduating high school, she enlisted in the United States Army and served nearly three years. During her service, she received nursing training and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. While stationed in East Germany, she welcomed her only child, Jennifer.

For many years, it was just Terese and Jennifer together in Utah. As a single mother, she worked to provide and create opportunities, always dreaming of returning to Minnesota to be closer to family. When Jennifer was twelve, they moved back to Minnesota, beginning a new chapter surrounded by relatives and connection.

In August 1993, Terese married David and together they built a life centered on love and shared adventure. They enjoyed camping, road trips, visiting monuments, and exploring the outdoors. Terese made David's house their home, creating a warm and welcoming place where family and friends loved to gather for holidays. Shortly before her death, Terese and David shared an unforgettable road trip together to visit her brother Steven in Idaho.

Terese devoted her professional life to caring for others. She worked as a hospital clinic nurse at Holy Cross Hospital in Utah before joining Health Partners in St. Paul, where she served first as a pediatric nurse and then as a procedure nurse. She later worked as a school nurse at John Glenn Middle School and Mounds Park Academy. She especially loved working with children and cherished summers with her grandchildren, along with time caring for nieces and nephews. Her nursing instincts extended far beyond the workplace. She was always the first to help when someone was hurt and would often take care of minor injuries at home.

She was playful, curious, generous, and crafty. Terese remained a child at heart, and her face would light up with competitive spirit when playing games or spending time with loved ones. She loved playing cards and cribbage and had a blast driving go-karts with the grand kids. She had an insatiable curiosity about people and the world around her, often asking countless questions and taking interest in everyone she met.

A natural storyteller, Terese loved sharing stories filled with voices, elaborate details, and unexpected twists. She had a sense of humor and, as a single mother, became a master of dad jokes.

She found great joy in gathering family each October during MEA weekend at their Wisconsin home, a tradition she treasured for more than two decades. She loved campfires, s'mores, cake, and the simple joy of being together.

Terese loved babies and kids and never missed an opportunity to share a smile, kiss, or comfort. She also adored cats throughout her life. She lovingly cherished her cats Tyler and Jordyn gone before her, and Doni who remains a part of the family.

Raised in the Catholic faith, Terese provided her family with a strong spiritual foundation that remained many extended family members and friends whose lives were touched by her kindness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard Duren and Audrey Campbell, and her sister, Wanda Hall.

Terese is survived by her husband of 32 years, David Koppen; her daughter, Jennifer Casanova Roers (Craig); her beloved grandchildren, Ethan and Archer; her siblings, Steven Duren and Donna Dahl.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 30, 2026 at The North Heights Church 2701 Rice St., Roseville, MN with a visitation from 10-11 AM. Lunch will follow the service. Memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association or ALS Association MN Chapter.

Her stories, laughter, and steady care will be remembered by all who knew her, and the love she gave continues in the family she leaves behind. meaningful throughout her life.