Koepke, Gerald

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 4767
• Obituary: 19 Aug 2007; Appleton Post Crescent

Notes:

Obituary:
Gerald R. "Gerry" Koepke, Neenah, age 83, passed away peacefully at his home family following a lengthy illness. He was born January 10, 1924, in Neenah, son of the late Carl and Alma (Metz) Koepke. Gerry was a lifelong Neenah resident and graduated from Neenah High School. He served in the Army Air Corps from 1943-1946. Gerry married Bertha Tornow on November 1, 1947, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church where he was a lifelong member. He was employed with Eggers Hardwood Products for 28 years. Gerry retired in 1986 from the Neenah Joint School District where he was employed as a Custodian at Taft Elementary School. Gerry was very involved with woodworking and did many building and remodeling projects throughout the city. He enjoyed many years at his cottage on Cedar Lake.
Survivors include his wife, Bertha, of nearly 60 years; three children: Karn Gollnick and special friend, Roger Bricko, Antigo; Gary Koepke and special friend, Nancy Kinsella, Appleton; Ann (Tom) Verstegen, Mequon; nine grandchildren: Shane Gollnick, Kimberly; (Clint) Nicholson, Kristin (Jeremy) Richert, all of Antigo; Alysa and Adam Koepke of Appleton; Leeland and Lucas Verstegen, Mequon; Andy Novak, Appleton; and Jenny Novak, Washington; five great-grandchildren: Emily, Avery, Isaac, Kendra and Brady; two brothers-in-law: Robert Tornow, Neenah; Louis (Evelyn) Tornow, Neenah; and a sister-in-law, Yvonne Olson, Menasha.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra; a sister, Doris Roloff and her husband, Paul; a brother-in-law, Harold Olson; and a sister-in-law, Helen Tornow.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 21, 2007, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church with The Rev. Catherine A.K. Mode officiating. Entombment will follow in Shrine of Heaven Mausoleum. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of services.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Valley VNA and Theda Care Hospice for their care during Gerry's lengthy illness, with special thanks to his caregiver, Diane, his cribbage buddy Dr. Rick, and a close family friend, Ruth.
WESTGOR FUNERAL HOME
205 W. Doty Ave.
Neenah 920-722-7151

Gerald married Tornow, Bertha L. [Group Sheet]