Ronald J. Kopren

Ronald J. Kopren was born on July 15, 1946 in Lemmon, SD to parents Carvel and Julia Kopren of Bison, SD. He died peacefully at home in Rapid City On July 15, 2025 after living with, and battling metastatic prostate cancer for over 13 years.

Ron grew up in the town of Bison, SD where he worked from an early age and attended public school. Ron was an extremely hard worker, from sweeping floors at the movie theatre, to collecting card money at the local pool hall, Ron was always hustling for independence and willing to work for it. The man bought his first car, a 1950 Chevy, before he was even old enough to drive it. He went on to Black Hills State in Spearfish, SD where he graduated with two Bachelor’s Degrees, one in Business and one in Education. A few years later Ron went on to receive his Master’s Degree in Education from Northern State University.

While in school at Black Hills State, Ron met the love of his life, Judy Leite. The two of them had a forever-kind of love from the start and were married on June 1,1969.  Ron’s life was always a journey of discovery.  He began his adult life as a teacher in Roscoe, SD teaching typing and business in the public school. In 1972, Ron and Judy returned to Bison and he purchased an interest in the Bison Food Store where he had worked growing up. Ron & Judy welcomed two children while in Bison, Ann Michelle and Michael Christopher, but ultimately decided a move to the “Big City” would be best for the family. In 1977, Ron and Judy moved their family to Rapid City where he sold real estate and insurance. It wasn’t until 1984 while answering a blind ad in the newspaper for a Finance & Insurance Manager that Ron’s life changed forever.  From that one little ad, Ron began a 34-year career journey in the auto industry. Ron worked as Finance Manager, Sales Manager, General Sales Manager and finally became Store Owner.  

In 2005, Ron and his son, Mike, opened their own independent car store, Kopren Motors.  Ron loved meeting people and helping them find a great automobile. Ron served on the board of the Independent Auto Dealers for South Dakota for many years and sat as President for five of them. In 2011, he was selected as SDIADA Quality Dealer of the Year for South Dakota and was recognized at the National Convention in Las Vegas.  Ron’s love of cars began at an early age with that 1950 Chevy, but continued his entire lifetime.  As red was his favorite color, he especially enjoyed driving his 2008 red Corvette convertible he received for his 70th Birthday.  His favorite drive was with Judy through Spearfish Canyon.

Ron & Judy spent many years remodeling houses as a hobby together. The two were creating HGTV before there was even such a thing. Ron loved the demolition and was happy with a hammer in hand. Ever the learner, Ron learned to do all the plumbing, electrical, and general carpentry on many houses. They both enjoyed creating something new out of something old.

Ron was very much the family man. He admired the way his kids grew and found their own calling in life. From sports to academics, he loved telling people about their many accomplishments and often said, “How could we be so lucky.”  Large family trips were something Ron always enjoyed.  He loved watching the grandchildren as they explored new places like Wisconsin Dells and Walt Disney World. He was deeply proud of his seven grandchildren and enjoyed watching them as they found their own interests and encouraged them in their schooling. He was a strong believer in education, whether formal or self-taught, and thought you should never stop learning.

Ron enjoyed his retirement years with winter months in Texas where he made many friends. He was blessed to spend time on the golf course with Cal Joy and John LaFave, two college roommates from BHSU.  He also looked forward to Friday night weekly cornhole competitions.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sharon. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Judy; children, Ann (Jason) Erpelding (Cary, IL) and Mike (Cristina) Kopren (Rapid City); grandchildren, Kaylee Matt, Alex Erpelding, Kyle Erpelding, Brayden Kopren, Erin Erpelding, Caitlyn Kopren, and Maya Kopren; brothers, Gary (Trish) Kopren (Santa Fe, NM), Tim Kopren (Rapid City), David (Paula) Kopren (Bison, SD); brothers-in-law, Steve Leite (Melody Tenhoff) (Rush City, MN), Dale (Kris) Leite (Spearfish, SD), Paul (Beth) Leite (St. Cloud, MN), Mark Leite (Bruce, SD), Tom (Rena) Leite (Rapid City); and many loved cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 at Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday at Kirk Funeral Home with a Vigil beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Memorials, in Ron's honor, can be mailed to Whispering Pines Fire Station, 7980 Clarkson RD, Rapid City, SD 57702 or the charity of your choice.