Donald G. Koepke
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On June 15, 2015 @ 5:56 pm In 2015,Obituaries | 11 Comments
On Monday morning, June 15, 2015, Donald G. Koepke, was 81 years old, when he left his family’s side at St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Shakopee, MN. It was only 11 days prior (June 4, 2015), he lost his wife of 55 years, Martha. She was his rock, his will to live and the love of his life.
The family will greet guests on Thursday, June 18, from 4-7pm and on Friday, June 19 from 9:30-10:30 am at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee, MN, A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 am, at The Parish of Saints Joachim and Anne (St. Mary) 535 South Lewis Street, Shakopee. Father Erik Lundgren will preside. Full military honors will be provided by the Shakopee Veteran Honor Guard. Don and Martha will be laid to rest at a private burial service at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Donald was born on November 4, 1933, in Woollam, Missouri. He was the third of nine children to parents George and Hattie (Bunners) Koepke. Don was a country boy through and through. As a family, they lived off God’s land, by growing fruits and vegetables and raising animals, all in order to survive. He attended a country school and graduated from the eighth grade.
A quiet soldier of the United States Army, Don served from 1954-1956. He decided to head north to North Dakota and the summer of 1958 at Borden’s Potato House, Don had his eyes set on a colleague by the name of Martha Marie Klasen. Their love flourished and they were married on September 18, 1959, by the Justice of Peace in Grand Forks, ND. Don and Martha’s marriage was later blessed in the Catholic faith. God blessed them with five amazing children, Robert, Don Jr., Karen, Kathy and Lori.
In 1969, Don and Martha moved back to his home state of Missouri and built a new home for the family. They all loved being outdoors, and especially enjoyed fishing, camping, and traveling. Don also enjoyed hunting deer, squirrel, raccoon, turkeys or anything with four legs. He also appreciated pinochle, coin collection, crossword puzzles and finding treasures with his metal detector.
In his later twenties, Don attended school in North Dakota to be an electrician. This set the course of becoming a gifted man with his hands. Don worked in production for Chrysler Motor Company and as a machinist at Finale Engineering in Missouri. In 1981, the family moved back to Minnesota, Don and Martha once again found themselves working together in apartment maintenance and management. Later, he went back to work as a machinist for Milltronics Manufacturing, from 1993 until retiring in 2001. However, Don had to stay busy, so he went to work as a driver for NorthStar Auto Auction in Shakopee, until 2008. Throughout the years, Don had a wealth of knowledge and could fix just about anything from plumbing, to tiling and to any aspect of construction.
An amazing mathematician, Don had the patience of a saint. He truly enjoyed teaching his family and others how to complete their studies and accomplish tasks in life. Don was strong willed and determined, but had a tender heart of gold. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or an ear for listening. Don had strong desires for a cold Pepsi, chocolate covered peanuts and jumbo coconut shrimp.
Left to honor Don’s life, he will always be loved and remembered by children, Robert (Terry) Koepke, Don Jr. (Roxy) Koepke, Karen (Ken Langeslag) Barber, Kathy (Norbert) Hennen, Lori (Kevin) Wagener; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; siblings, George Jr, Ester and Marie; other loving relatives and devoted friends
There to welcome Donald in heaven was his wife, Martha; parents; siblings, Richard, Gus, Fred, David and Shirley.
Luncheon immediately following the mass at St. Mark’s Social Hall located at 350 Atwood Street in Shakopee.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Shakopee Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Koepke family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
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Sorry for your loss. We are in no way (health wise) to travel. Lots of good memories of both Dad and Mom. Uncle Jr was sent home on hospice and is doing as well as can be expected. Acute lukememia has a mind of its on. ….If you get back to Mo and could, it would be nice to visit him as we don’t know how long he will be here…..Love all you ….prayers
I am truly sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers.
I know that even though you have a loss, you still have some great memories. I hope those memories will give you comfort. So sorry for your loss.
Prayers, love and hugs from your extended family in Missouri. May the Lord be with you and comfort you.
We loved your Mom and Dad and will miss them so much! They were our Angels in this world for us and will never forget them–one day we will all meet them again and what a beautiful day that will be … All of you children are in our hearts and prayers during this very difficult time of your lives and may your memories of them forever sustain you!!! God be with you all !!
I am very sorry to hear about your families grief and loss that you have endured over the past weeks. We pray that Don and Martha are continuing their long relationship in a better place. Kathy – I hope you and your family will celebrate lives well lived and many cherished memories. My thoughts are with you all.
I am truly sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you guys I didn’t know grandma and grandpa that well but when I heard about the loss it really broke my heart take care everyone
Mom, you will be in my heart forever. I will cherish the memories, your beautiful smile and your loving heart.
Dad you were the most amazing man in my life. You were always there for me with your wisdom, kind words, loving hugs and reassurances when I was afraid to trust my own judgement. You were my rock. I can’t imagine living without you two. I am so sad but find comfort knowing you and mom are together enjoying your ultimate love. Forever loving you both, your oldest daughter, Karen
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Kathy and family. Please know that, while I am unable to attend services, I am with you in thought and prayer. Cherish those memories of both your dad & mom. I know that your faith will get you through this tremendous loss, knowing that they are in a much better place. Take care. I love you.
Dad, I bought you back home. I will always miss you. IThank you for everything you have given me. Thank you for making me the man I am today.
I Love You Dad.
Your Son, Don Jr.
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My family and I would like to extend our condolences to the family of Uncle Don. We are truly sorry for your recent loss of your mother and now your father also. Know you are in our prayers and thoughts.