Donald Koepke

Donald Lee Koepke, a native of the Bloomer area, entered his eternal rest at Brookfield Rehabilitation Center, Brookfield, WI, February 8,2010.

The youngest of 5 sons,Don,80, was born December 7, 1929 to Andrew and Bertha (Hass) Koepke in Chippewa County. He was baptized at the Zion Lutheran church in Chippewa Falls confirmed into his Christian faith at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bloomer. He attended Bloomer schools through High School. In 1940, at the age of 10, along with his brother, Elton, Don contracted polio. Although it didn’t seem to slow him down , he lived with the affects of this disease for the remainder of his life.

Shortly after High School, he moved to Milwaukee where he lived with his brother Dennis and his wife for several years. There he was employed at several places. Don worked for Allis Chalmer, Petsky and Frye, George J. Meyers Trucking, Music, Inc., operated the music department at Moreway Dept. Stores, and then worked for Karpec Accordion Co. for 30 years where they manufactured and repaired accordions. This company made accordians for Lawrence Welk and when the company was sold, Don was the recipient of an accordion that once was owned and played by Lawrence Welk himself.


Don’s love of music was far reaching. including writing music. He penned a very touching song entitled, “Goodbye Mother - My Mother Went to Heaven, and I Didn't Get to Say Goodbye” after his mothers passing. He played in several polka bands, managed the Northern Dutchmen Orchestra and was a fill in announcer for the “Polka Delights” program on WTOS. His music was with him right to the end. Don also loved to act and was an ‘extra’ in several movies. He was most proud of being an extra in the movie “The Dillinger Story” where he was on screen for several minutes.

Family and friends were very important to Don. They delighted in hearing him play his accordion. He had a huge network of friends who loved and cared for him, but as he stated, “family always comes first”. Don was dear to all who knew him.

Don is survived by his brother Elton of Bloomer, sisters-in-law Helen Koepke and Joanna Koepke of the Milwaukee area , numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and many, many friends..

He is predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Bertha, brothers, Bertram, Dennis, David, , sisters-in-law Eunice Koepke, Aderienne Koepke and Florence Koepke and niece, Candice (Koepke) Kotke.

Funeral services for Don will be 2 PM Saturday, February 13, 2010, at Olson Funeral Home, Larson Street, Bloomer, WI with Pastor George Schweitzer officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Interment to follow at Bloomer City Cemetery.

Many who knew Don, knew he was fond of saying, “ The Lord is my Shepherd, He does the leading“. Family and friends are comforted to know he’s now resting in green pastures.