ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Ted Koplar, whose family formed the Chase Park Plaza Hotel, built The Lodge of Four Seasons at the Lake of the Ozarks, revitalized Maryland Plaza in the Central West End and launched KPLR-TV has died at 77-years-old.
Koplar led the station to be consistently ranked among the top independent television stations in the country, making its way to No. 1 on several occasions. In a career filled with accomplishments, Koplar also launched Voltron, an animated TV sensation that swept the nation, and pioneered a revolutionary technology that made television interactive.
In September 2013, Koplar was inducted into the Gold Circle by the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences, Mid America Chapter. The prestigious Gold Circle is comprised of individuals who have contributed 50 years or more of service to the television industry.
In 2005, Koplar, along with his son Sam, renovated Maryland Plaza in St. Louis, reviving the Central West End neighborhood and turning the area into an urban retail destination. Composed of both retail and commercial business owners, the area offers a diverse, sophisticated clientele and a high-end selection of boutiques and restaurants.
Koplar balanced his career with community service. He served on the Board of Directors for the Foundation for Barnes Jewish Hospital from 2002 to 2019; served on the Board of Directors for the Nine Network since 2008, where he served as Chairman from 2011 to 2012; has served on the Missouri University of Science and Technology Engineering Advisory Board since 2008, where he served as Chairman from 2011 to 2012.
His sons, Robert and Sam, worked alongside Koplar at Koplar Communications' St. Louis office.
Despite all of his career accomplishments, Koplar's primary focus was always his family, where his role as a devoted husband, father and grandfather was always first in his heart.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Nancy Scanlon Koplar, and their five children Emilee Koplar Wolfe (Brian), Robert "Bob" (Emily), Alison Koplar Wyatt (Zach), Sam Koplar (Ashley Beleos) and Kevin Koplar. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Brown, and 11 adoring grandchildren.
Funeral services will be private.
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