Born September 3, 1941, in Independence, Buchanan County, son of P.K. and Myrtle Copenhaver. Attended Stanley Consolidated School. Graduated from Oelwein community schools. Attended Iowa State University, 1959-62, chemistry. Married Gayle E. Thorn of Aurora, 1962. Three children: Steve, Ann and Sarah. Worked for Standard Oil of California, 1962-63. Started farming in 1964. Elder, Presbyterian Church; past board member, Independence Community Schools; soil district commissioner; zoning board, Buchanan County; director, Northeast Iowa Farm Business Association, Iowa Master Pork Producer; Farm Bureau member; United Fund drive chairman. First term.

Born September 3, 1941, in Independence, Buchanan County, son of P.K. and Myrtle Copenhaver. Attended Stanley Consolidated School. Graduated from Oelwein community schools. Attended Iowa State University, 1959-62, chemistry. Married Gayle E. Thorn of Aurora, 1962. Three children: Steve, Ann and Sarah. Worked for Standard Oil of California, 1962-63. Started farming in 1964. Elder, Presbyterian Church; past board member, Independence Community Schools; soil district commissioner; zoning board, Buchanan County; director, Northeast Iowa Farm Business Association, Iowa Master Pork Producer; Farm Bureau member; United Fund drive chairman. First term.