Leander Schoepke

Leander "Bud" Schoepke, 92, of Wausau passed away on Friday, March 28, 2014 at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau.
He was born January 21, 1922 in the town of Easton to the late William and Ella (Neumann) Schoepke. Bud grew up in the town of Easton, attending school and helping on the family farm. He was a groomsman for a friend's wedding, where he met Irene Golz who happened to be a bridesmaid at the same wedding. Their love began at their first dance that evening. Bud and Irene were married September 13, 1947 at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Wausau and celebrated 65 years of marriage. While working at James River, Bud and Irene lived in Wausau raising their son, Lee. Bud was an active member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church where he was a former church council member, usher and washed dishes at many funeral lunches. Bud and Irene enjoyed polka dancing and were members of the Central Wisconsin Polka Club where Bud was a past director. In their younger years, Bud and Irene were snowmobilers and members of the Polar Bear Snowmobile Club. He was gifted at woodcrafts, making furniture and holiday craft items. They made many friends around the state while selling their items at various craft shows. Bud also loved relaxing and visiting with family and friends at the family cottage on Fence Lake.
Survivors include his wife, Irene of Wausau, his son, Lee (Lynn) Schoepke of Wausau, two granddaughters, Nicole (Jeff) Starck of Weston, Megan (Wyatt) Thompson of Wausau and two great grandsons, Ethan Starck and Braxton Thompson. Bud was preceded in death by a brother Lester (Dorothy) Schoepke and sister, Evelyn (Kenneth) Jaeger.
Funeral services will be 12:30 p.m., Monday, April 7th, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 512 McClellan St., Wausau. Rev. Alan Schaffmeyer will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and nurses at Aspirus Hospice House and Comfort Care and Hospice Services for the care and kindness they gave Bud and our family.