Robert Koepke

Born July 14, 1927 in Milwaukee, WI. Born into eternal life May 31, 2008 in Wausau, WI.



Preceded in death by parents Alma Luick Koepke Holzhauer & Arthur Koepke, he will be remembered lovingly by brothers Arthur (Mary) Koepke, John (Pat) Koepke and Mark (Cis) Holzhauer and sister Elizabeth (Don) Koleson. Dud was especially proud of his service with the 35th special Seabees in the South Pacific during WWII. Returning from the war, Dud entered the automobile business and was trained as a management specialist by one of the "Big Three" auto manufacturers. In this capacity he traveled the country returning failing auto dealerships to the black. He married Audrey Shurr in 1949; as their family grew, moving about the country and uprooting the children from one school district to another became tiresome, so Dud left the management specialist position. He took upon himself the resurgence of a hospital in the western part of Wisconsin. Being successful in this, he accepted the administration and presidency of another hospital that was in severe violation of the state code. Dud brought this hospital up to code with a four million dollar building program, and at the same time kept the hospital in a sound financial position. Dud became a nurse anesthetist and formed a corporation for the delivery of anesthetics, which was eminently successful. He was able to educate his progeny in whatever field they preferred. Appreciating Audrey's skill and love in raising the children, Dud took great pride in their children's and (11) grandchildren's accomplishments. He provided opportunity, but said, "their victories are theirs". He is survived by Audrey and their 5 children: Robert C. (Debra) Koepke, Nancy A. (Bob) Wagler, James J. Koepke, Kurt M. (Sandra) Koepke, and Dr. Tom (Jayne) Koepke. Granddaughter Sarah has been waiting for him in heaven. A special thank you to the care team headed by Dr. Hamied Rezazadeh at Aspirus Hospital, Renaissance Assisted Living, Hospice House and to Char Hodgdon for being such a caring, faithful friend.



The funeral mass will be 11 a.m. Wednesday June 11, 2008 at St. Matthews Catholic Church, 229 South 28th Ave., Wausau. Officiating will be the Father Robert Thorn. The family will welcome guests Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.



Memorials may be directed to the family.