Raymond A. Koepp, age 97, died on Monday, July 11, 2022, at his home in Fremont.
He was born on May 22, 1925 on the family farm in the Town of Wolf River, the son of the late Albert and Alma (Niemuth) Koepp. Following high school, Ray served his country in the US Army from 1945-1947. During that time, Ray was shipped to Yokohama, Japan where he was assigned to the 179th 8th Army Finance Disbursing Section, which handled not only payroll for the troops, but also handled payroll for the Japanese who worked for the US Army. On April 11, 2018 Ray was able to take part in the Honor Flight to Washington DC, and upon his return was greeted by a huge gathering of family members at the airport.
After returning to the United States, Ray married Marjorie Miller on June 20, 1948. They purchased a farm on Lake Poygan, just a few miles from the original family farm, and Ray farmed his Shorecrest Dairy Farm for over 75 years. During that time, Ray served on the Board of Directors for Midwest Breeders, and also worked with the Soil Conservation Service, to be one of the first farms in the area to install drain tile waterways on the farm, which allowed them to begin planting earlier in the season.In 1986, Ray was awarded the Wisconsin Master Agricultural Award. In 1989, Ray sold the farm cattle and retired from dairy farming and only focused on crop farming. Ray also worked for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture as a mediator from 1989-2000 to work with farmers and lenders in order for farmers to be able to continue to run their farms and stay in business. Ray also served on the Weyauwega-Fremont School Board in various positions during this time and served as the Wolf River Town treasurer for 62 years, as well as the Sewer Board. In the 1990’s Ray worked with the AARP Tax Program which allowed him to assist low income and elderly people in doing their taxes. He continued to do this until 2019. His wife Marjorie passed away unexpectedly on April 20, 1995. Ray was able to stay busy working in the farm fields, but he also began to enjoy golfing. During one of his golf outings, Ray was partnered up with a widowed lady by the name of Clara. Not much developed over that first outing, but they continued to talk and over the next year Ray and Clara continued golfing and spending time together and they were married on February 21, 1998 and spent the next 24 years together.
Ray was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church in East Bloomfield, where he served on many boards, committees, and groups and also sang in the choir.
Ray is survived by his wife, Clara; four daughters, Diane (Tom) Hartzke, Fremont; Deborah (Michael) Girard, Reno, NV; Dawn Koepp, Green Bay; and Dana (Mike) Klatt, New London; 10 grandchildren, Tim Hartzke, Emily(Mike)Nikolai, Elizabeth(Matt)Hysen, Eric(Gretchen)Girard, Ben Girard, Christopher(Dorinda)Akey, Kim(Kirk)Delwiche, Eric(Trisha)Akey, Amanda(Travis) Dash, Carrie(Scott)Aus, and Laurie(Dan)Eidenberger; 26 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; Clara’s children, Sherry(Carl)Harder, Sandy(James)Brown, Larry Schueller, Mary(Dan)Bellin, Steve(Kim)Schueller, Janet(Jeff)Coeur and John(Erin)Schueller; 21 step-grandchildren, 18 step great-grandchildren. a sister-in-law, Betty Miller, two brothers-in-law, Richard Miller and Sonny Snyder, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Marjorie; a grandson, Ryan Akey; a granddaghter, Alison Girard; a sister, Edna(Gordon)Freer; two brothers, Lester(Violet)Koepp and Elmer(Dorothy)Koepp; and a nephew, Glen Koepp.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 15, 2022 at 11 AM at St. John Lutheran Church , 8580 37th Ave., Fremont. Pastor ron Siemers will officiate. Burial will be in Wolf River Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Lewin Funeral Home 210 W. Main St., Fremont on Thursday, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm and on Friday, at the church from 10AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.
Ray’s family would like to extend a very special Thank You to ThedaCare Hospice nurses Sarah and Nicki as well as Jerry and Rene’ Dorsett for all of the wonderful care they provided not only to Ray but to his entire family. It is greatly appreciated.