Niilo Koponen

Niilo Emil Koponen (March 6, 1928 – December 3, 2013) was an American educator and political statesman.

Born in New York City, he moved to Fairbanks, Alaska in 1952 with his wife, homesteading 160 acres on Chena Ridge and they raised 5 children.

Koponen received his bachelor's degree from Wilberforce University, his teaching certificate from University of Alaska Fairbanks, and his doctorate degree from Harvard University. He taught in elementary school and was principal of University Park Elementary School. He helped organized a credit union (Teachers Credit union, which later became the Northern Schools Credit Union, and currently the Spirit of Alaska Federal Credit Union) and the Chena Goldstream Volunteer Fire Department. He served in the Alaska House of Representatives in 1982-1992 as a Democrat.

Koponen died at the Pioneer's Home in Fairbanks on Dec. 3, 2013,^[1] Alaska and a memorial was held Jan. 5, 2014 ^{[2] [3][4]}

Notes

1. Koponen dies
2. Memorial for Niilo Koponen
3. Ex-Alaska Rep. Koponen remembered for dedication to community
4. Parnell orders flags lowered for Koponen

External links

• Niilo Emil Koponen obituary
• Koponen family website
• Niilo Koponen at 100 Years of Alaska's Legislature