Donald “Don” G. Koepke Jr, age 55, passed away unexpectedly on August 15, 2017. He was a proud resident of South St. Paul, MN.

A time of gathering will be on Sunday, August 20 from 2 -3 pm, with a celebration of life service at 3 pm, followed by a reception, all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee, MN. Memorials are preferred to the family in Don’s memory.

On December 4, 1961 in Grafton, North Dakota, Donald George Jr, was born to parents Donald George Sr and Martha Marie (Klasen) Koepke. He was the second of five children. In 1969, Don’s family moved to Owensville, Missouri to be closer to his dad’s family. Following in his father’s footsteps, Don too created a love of hunting and fishing. He also became quite fond of music. Don join the school band, where he played the drums.

After completing high school, Don went to Linn Technical College to pursue a degree in Auto Body. Don took this knowledge and expertise and over the next two decades worked at various body shops, perfecting his trade. Don too loved and enjoyed muscle cars and mud trucks.

In 1985, Don move to Minnesota. Here, he met and married Roxanne Sadlovsky. At the same time, he welcomed her children into his life. Don became quite fond of them and years later extended his arms to the grandchildren. Don and Roxanne were married 22 years, before they went their separate ways.

Don had many interests and hobbies. He enjoyed collecting guns and his love of hunting and fishing continued throughout his life. He enjoyed deer, bear and grouse hunting. He particularly enjoyed walleye and fly fishing. Don had a special place in his heart for animals, and loved the many family pets that he had, especially Chantz, a Golden Retriever and Misty Gray (“Miss Gray”) the cat.

Wanting a new direction in his life, Don attended Rosemount Technical College, where he studied communications. Taking this information, he started working for the St. Paul Police Department, in the Communications Division. Here, Don once again excelled in his craft. He worked on all the police cars, police towers and even building/installing all the communication devices and security systems. He loved this job and all the tasks at hand.

Several years ago, Don had an accident at the police department, resulting in a Traumatic Brain Injury. It changed his life immensely. But he had this determination and drive to survive and succeed once again. Don had this ‘can-do-attitude’ and channeled all his energy into his projects, working hard to remain active in life. He became a talented woodsman, with his specialty of making fishing lures and walking sticks. Don became an amazing grill master. He enjoyed working in his vegetable and herb garden and had the right touch to grow large amazing plants. Don loved to ride bike, listen to music and took a passionate interest in body building. He loved going too Horizon’s in Eagan. Don had quite an amazing support system and enjoyed the social atmosphere here. He too enjoyed making repairs and refinishing items at Horizon’s.

Don had a huge heart and deeply cared for family and friends. He was a true ‘mans man’. Don was adventurous and loved the outdoors. He was intelligent, meticulous and loved a great adventure.

Forever loved and forever missed by his siblings, Robert (Terry) Koepke, Karen Barber, Kathy (Norbert) Hennen, Lori (Kevin) Wagener; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceded in death and there to welcome Don home is his parents, Don and Martha and grandparents.

Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Shakopee Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Koepke family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com

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