Gene Edwin Koepke

Gene E. Koepke, age 92, of Hayward, WI passed away on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at Hayward Area Memorial Hospital. 

Gene Edwin Koepke was born January 22, 1930, in Milwaukee, WI the son of Edwin and Vi (Richter) Koepke.  He was raised in Milwaukee and graduated from Lutheran High School in 1947.  He continued his education at Valparaiso University from 1947 until 1951 where he attended their business school.  Gene joined the U.S. Army where he served in an artillery unit.  After his time in the service, Gene returned to Milwaukee where he began work with A.O. Smith and Acme Machell where he was a controller.  On August 26, 1956, Gene was joined in marriage to Luella W. Kuhlmann.  Gene and Lou lived in Whitefish Bay, WI where they raised their family.  While living in Milwaukee, Gene and Lou would take their family to Spider Lake near Hayward, WI every summer.  In 1992, Gene and Lou moved to Hayward where Gene began Koepke’s Accounting and Tax Service which he would operate until 2016 when he retired.  Throughout Gene’s life he was an avid and talented golfer, and wood worker and fisherman.  Gene excelled at bowling and recorded a perfect 300 game in 1970.  He was a member of AAA Country Club and served as President of the Wisconsin State Golf Association.  Gene was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayward where he had served as Congregational President.  For 40 years, Gene served as a referee for many high school and college football and basketball games. 

Gene is survived by his two children, Gwyn Koepke of Whitefish Lake, WI and Chicago, IL, Gregg Koepke of Poplar, WI; one brother, Jack Koepke of Traverse City, MI; sister-in-law, Lorna Fosth of Seattle, WI; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Lou.

A memorial service celebrating Gene’s life will be held at noon on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayward, WI with Pastor Roy Berquist officiating.  A time of gathering with the family will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.  A private interment will be held at a later date at Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery in Lenroot Township.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, 10576 Gresylon Ave., Hayward, WI 54843.

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