Arthur Francis Koepke

On March 28, 2026, Arthur “Art” Koepke, age 99, of Wausau, WI, didn’t just pass on, he went home to the Lord and to join his wife, Mary, other loved ones, and friends who have been waiting patiently for him.

Arthur Francis Koepke was born July 11, 1926, to Dr. Arthur T. Koepke and Alma Luick Koepke Holzhauer in Milwaukee, WI. He graduated from Wauwatosa High School in 1944. He married the best wife and mother, Mary June Schaefer, on November 15, 1952. Together they created a beautiful family of 6 children, 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Art joined the Navy right after high school and was ready to give his all to the country he loved. Unfortunately, he contracted Scarlet Fever and saw his navy buddies go off to WWII. He studied pharmacy and served as a hospital corpsman in the Navy and always held veterans and their service close to his heart. He was active in the Montgomery Plant American Legion Post #10 and was a past president of the Wausau Serra Club and Wausau Centurions. A man of faith, he was twice elected Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council #4628.

After attending the University of Wisconsin, he had 35 years of dedicated service to Kraft Foods Company, retiring as Retail Sales Zone Manager for Northern Wisconsin. He built lasting friendships and took great pride in his work. He was an outstanding salesman and truly proud of the young men and women he hired and trained, especially those who are still with Kraft today. He received many awards and won multiple contests for selling product, enabling him and Mary to go on many award trips. This began a lifelong love of traveling and seeing many different countries; Ireland, Poland, Germany, Australia and Canada, to name a few.

Art was a big fan of the Green Bay Packers, Saint Louis Cardinals, and Notre Dame football. He was blessed with a fantastic memory and a great sense of humor. Art was an ardent Philatelist who was very proud of the binders containing the many stamps he had bought, collected and organized. This hobby enabled him to acquire a wealth of knowledge about many subjects. He prided himself on knowing something about everything and enjoyed playing the Super Quiz from the Wisconsin State Journal-many times getting the top score amongst the family and all who played. He was a huge fan of Jeopardy, and often, but not all the time, was able to answer the Final Jeopardy question. Art enjoyed the monthly Poker games with the old neighbors from Kronenwetter. He was never known to turn down a game of Hearts. Anyone who played with him knew he ALWAYS tried to shoot the moon but rarely got it.

Over the years, Art went on many fishing trips with his two sons, brother John, and close friend, Jim Morgan. His favorite spot was the Chippewa Flowage. Pictures prove it wasn’t always the fish that made the trips fun, it was the camaraderie, card games, and his outfits. Art, along with Mary, had a passion for playing golf and even carried the clubs in the trunk of the car in case they had time for a quick round. Both Art and Mary were devoted Packer fans and handed down the love of football to their children and grandchildren. Most importantly, Art and Mary shared with their children the love of God and the joy in the weekly Mass. He was very supportive of Sacred Heart Missions in Southaven, MS and was proud to have a leaf on their Tree of Life.

Together, Art and Mary lived an excellent example of a successful marriage and taught their children what dedication means for parents. Art passed on an excellent work ethic when it came to the working world and when it came to jobs around the house, always saying “Don’t do the job twice, do it right once.”

Art is lovingly survived by his children Stephen (Susan) Koepke, Mary Dunn, Jane (Donnie) Alvis, Carol (Rick) Goecke, and Peter (Lizzy) Koepke; his grandchildren, Patrick, Shannon, Ryley, Abbey, Jeffrey (Brittany), Connor (Brandy), Kyle, Hannah (Devon Fontenot), Hazel, Charlie and Tommy; and 1 great grandchild, Gunnar. He leaves behind his brothers, John (Pat) Koepke and Mark (Cis) Holzhauer, and in-laws, Carol Meganck, Geri Barwick, and John (Rosie) Schaefer. He will be missed by many extended family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary; infant son, Arthur III; brother, Bob; sister, Betty (Don Koleson); stepsister, Virginia “Gini” Holzhauer; his parents, Dr. Arthur and Alma; and numerous other relatives.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, April 10, at Saint Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild, WI, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Rosary will be prayed by The Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council #4628 at 10:30 a.m. Art's service will be livestreamed at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials made in Art’s name can be sent to: Sacred Heart Southern Missions, 6050 Hwy 161, Walls, MS 38686-9099 or The Alzheimer’s Association, Wausau, 505 S 24th Avenue, Suite 304, Wausau, WI 54401.

Dad, there is no more pain, no more grief, only love and comfort for eternity.