Dr. Lisa A. Copple

Dr. Lisa Ann Copple of Waukee, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on October 11, 2025, at the young age of 58. She entered the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, leaving a legacy of love and kindness. Lisa was a fantastic daughter, sister, wife, mother, teammate, optometrist, inspirational cancer patient, and dear friend to so many.

Lisa was born on November 9, 1966, in Newton, Iowa, to Gerald and Nancy Kuiper. She grew up in Knoxville and attended Knoxville Community Schools. Lisa was involved in dance, Girl Scouts, golf, track, basketball, and her favorite, volleyball. Her Knoxville High School volleyball team was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024. Midway through high school, the Kuiper family moved to Indianola where Lisa immediately made life-long friends. Lisa graduated from Indianola High School and was a proud member of the Girls of '85. Lisa continued her education at Weber State University on a full athletic scholarship, where she was the setter for the Wildcats volleyball team. Following her first semester in Ogden, Utah, she transferred to Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. Immediately feeling at home, she embraced campus life and spent many hours studying in the Carver Science Center, always striving for excellence. She was an outstanding All-Conference setter, 3-time all-conference Most Valuable Player, and a member of the Tri-Delta sorority. In 1999, Lisa was inducted into the Simpson College Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1989 she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and was a member of the Tri-Beta Biology Honors Society. Her legacy continued when her son Kade followed in her footsteps earning a biology degree and was a member of Tri-Beta himself. In pursuit of her childhood dream, she attended Indiana University College of Optometry. She earned her Doctor of Optometry, graduated with Distinction, and later become a member of the American Optometric Association. Following graduation, Dr. Lisa Kuiper Copple practiced nearly 25 years with Whylie Eye Care Centers in Pella, Iowa, and then in West Des Moines, Iowa. Lisa cherished caring for her patients and was dedicated to helping others see this beautiful world.

Lisa married the love of her life, Kenton Copple, on June 12, 1999. In 2001, Lisa and KC were blessed with the birth of Kade Ralph; and, in 2003, Carson Maurice completed their family. Lisa's boys were her greatest blessings. Lisa was Kade and Carson's biggest supporter, always present at their activities and endeavors. Her cheers of encouragement were constant, proud, and full of love at countless swim meets. Lisa enjoyed golfing with friends at Des Moines Golf and Country Club and co-chairing the Nine-Hole Women's league. She and KC loved to travel and cruise with trips to the Mediterranean, Italy, Greece, Spain, Hawaii, Alaska, and many trips to the Caribbean with Kade and Carson. As a mom who shared her love of travel to see this beautiful world, she sparked creativity and curiosity in culinary and scientific exploration among her boys.

Lisa will always be remembered for her ability to host friends and family for dinner parties, birthdays, and holidays in her beautiful home. Rain and shine, it made her day to have lifelong friends drop by for a visit. She loved puzzling, shopping, and reminiscing. You likely might have found her wearing a cute pink outfit serving you an iced vanilla oat milk latte and pastries.

On May 16, 2011, Lisa received four numbing words “you have breast cancer.” She fought a 14 year and 5-month battle with integrity and grace. She fought a good fight. Lisa underwent 12 procedures, 4 surgeries, 57 doses of various chemotherapy drugs, 6 radiation sessions, received 8 types of targeted hormone drugs, and 6 types of immunotherapies. We had the fortune of watching her condition improve with the help of revolutionary treatments. In November 2014 the day came. Like many other patients, her cancer learned how to outsmart modern medicine and spread across her body. First it spread to her bones, then her liver, stomach, spinal fluid, brain, kidneys, and lungs. Even when odds were stacked against Lisa, she fought hard to stay with us. Family, friends, faith, and fashion gave her motivation and strength to continue her fight. Her oncologist and dear friend, Dr. Timothy Hobday, prescribed many pungent drugs. But strongest of all. Hope. Lisa, KC, Kade, Carson and family would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Timothy Hobday and his team, and the countless health care professionals and scientists who cared for her and delivered her 3 miracles.

Lisa’s cancer journey brought people together. Lisa was a fierce advocate for breast cancer screening. Lisa and the Iowa Army of Pink lobbied to pass the 2017 Iowa Breast Density Inform Law. Their efforts to educate women and healthcare providers were featured in dsm magazine in 2019. Through the Amazing Women breast cancer support group, she gave strength to others by openly sharing her story.

Even more than loving her family and friends, she loved Jesus. Her trust in Jesus shone brightly. Every day was devoted to the Lord, and so many have been touched by her unwavering strength and faith. Lisa leaves a legacy of perseverance and poise and lived life with dignity and grace.

Lisa was Baptized at First Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa, in November 1966. She was confirmed in 1989 in the First Christian Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa. The Copple family are members of the Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines, Iowa and the Temple B’nai Jeshurun Des Moines, Iowa.

Lisa drew strength from Proverbs 3 5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."

Those left to cherish Lisa's memory are her husband Kenton (Waukee, Iowa); her children Kade (Scottsdale, Arizona) and Carson (Waukee, Iowa); her mother Nancy Kuiper (Hiawatha, Iowa); her sister Lana (Paul) Smith (Hiawatha, Iowa); and her brother Tom (Tammy) Kuiper (Lakeway, Texas). She is also survived by her brother-in-law Vince (Sue) Copple (Pinehurst, North Carolina); her nieces and nephews Jay (Abigail) Smith (Dallas, Texas), Kaylee (Tyler) Peschong (Marshalltown, Iowa), Avery Kuiper, (Lakeway, Texas), and Regan Copple, (Alexandria, Virginia); her step-nephews Austin La Follette (Lakeway, Texas), Sage La Follette (Austin, Texas); and many other dear relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Gerald Kuiper; mother-in-law, Lois Copple; father-in-law, Ralph Copple; step-nephew, Caleb La Follette; grandparents, George and Pauline Terpstra; and Ralph and Nellie Kuiper.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, October 17, 2025, at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am, proceeded by the service at 11:00 am. Luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Temple B’nai Jeshurun Lois and Ralph Copple Camp Fund and/or the American Cancer Society Lisa Copple Memorial.