In loving memory of

Bob Koepp
January 10, 1932 - January 20, 2014

Robert "Bob" Koepp, age 82, of Milford, passed away Monday, January 20, 2014, in Milford, Iowa. He was born on January 10, 1932, in Arlington, South Dakota, to Paul Emil Koepp and Jennie Stofferan.
Bob graduated from Webb Consolidated Schools, Iowa State University, with a Bachelor of Science Degree and the University of Michigan, with a Masters of Arts Degree. He served his country in the United States Army, during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany. Bob was united in marriage to Sara Higgins in Webb, Iowa, for 59 years.
Bob worked in the advertising business in the Detroit Area, Berkley and Co. in Spirit Lake, served as Personnel Director of Stylecraft of Milford, before retiring in 1994. During his retirement, he became active in the antique and collectibles trade under the name of Yesterthings and helped his son in Sweet Memories Candy Shop in Arnolds Park Amusement Park.
Bob served as Chairman of the Dickinson County Democrats, the Spirit Lake City Council, the Iowa Lakes Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, the Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, as president of the Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church of Troy, Michigan, as president of the Alpha Nu Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau, the Detroit Chapter of Children's International Summer Village and the Greater Detroit Memorial Society.
Bob is survived by his wife, Sara Koepp; three children, Kathryn Lappegard, Susan Turner and David Koepp, and his wife, Rabab; sister, Alice Lehman, and her husband, Richard; eight grandchildren, Brendan Requa, Joe Lappegard, Courtney Lappegard, Nathan Ardolino, Addison Ardolino, Jacqueline Ardolino, Zachary Koepp and Alexander Koepp; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dennis Koepp; and step-mother, Helen Conn-Koepp
A memorial service will be held at 11:00A.M. Sunday, April 6, 2014, at the Schuchert Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Higgins-Koepp Memorial Endowed Scholarship, Buena Vista University, 610 4th Street, Storm Lake, Iowa, 50588.
The Schuchert Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Tributes

Connie Bennett wrote on Apr 8, 2014:

"Dear Sara, I am so sorry that I missed the memorial. You know I remember Bob fondly always but my picture of him is always singing "O Holy Night> Send me your phone number. I can't find it. Love Connie"

Dennis Kintzi wrote on Jan 23, 2014:

"It is with saddnes that write this and offer sympathy to you who now greive. Bob's part in my life came when he was personel director ( human resoure) at Stylecraft in 1978. He was at least partially responible for my being hired, which involved a career that lasted 30 years. That also luanched a friendship that will not be forgotten. We will truly miss you Bob. Be assured that many have gone before & many (all of us) will join you in the future. God Bless!"

Kathy Bunt wrote on Jan 23, 2014:

"Sara and family, I am sorry to hear of Bob's passing. "

Misty wrote on Jan 22, 2014:

"Our warmest wishes for all of you as you grieve your loss and heaven's gain. May God keep you close and bless you during your journey and adjustment. We love your Mom and Dad David! Loads of love, Misty and Paul "

Victor Verney wrote on Jan 22, 2014:

"Although I only knew Bob for a few years, he became a second father to me, and it was an honor and privilege to be treated as family by him. Bob's defining qualities -- deeply cultured, intellectually curious, politically engaged, socially enlightened -- were grounded in his wonderfully down-to-earth Midwestern wit. Bob was a very special gentleman indeed, and I consider myself fortunate to have known him, however briefly."

Susan Koepp Turner wrote on Jan 22, 2014:

"Dad is the one that injected a love of nature into me. At just the right time in the Spring, after a rain, he would look for someone to accompany him on a wild asparagus hunt. We would troll the ditches in whatever car we had at the time, his taking charge of the left ditch and me in charge of the right. He showed me how to find the plants that had gone to seed and to spy the paler new green stalks coming up at the bottom. Our take for couple hours work, was pretty hefty, about 3/4 of a paper grocery bag full. In the dead of winter, we bundled up and hiked across a thick frozen lake and back, letting our dog run wherever she wanted. He would head to the Fenn, or the Kettle, or to a field where there was an abandoned one-room shcoolhouse, to fly kites. Hands down, those were my best memories. Not a lot was said on those walks, but none needed to be said. RIP, Dad"

Chuck and Donna Tielbur Milford IA wrote on Jan 21, 2014:

"Sara and family, We were so sorry to hear the news of Bob's passing. As we have known you both from the Webb area and also in the working field he will be missed. Many thoughts of Sympathy go out to you today and many hearts are caring in a warm and loving way. Sending our Love and Sympathy. "

Anne McCormick wrote on Jan 21, 2014:

"Bob was a wonderful man and I value our time together as founders of the Iowa Lakes Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. He always had a smile on his face and something interesting to say. I was so happy to have seen him and have a chat at the nature center this past summer. Love to Sara and Rabab and all the family."

Wayne and Diana (Doocy) Koppen wrote on Jan 21, 2014:

"To Bob's family-- You are in our thoughts at this time. We were sad to hear about Bob, but we are hopeful that memories and stories can bring some warmth to your hearts. May God wrap his arms around you and give you strength."

Wendell & Diane King wrote on Jan 21, 2014:

"Sara and Family, Thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time."

Bev Sauer Wittler wrote on Jan 21, 2014:

"Sara and children, my deepest sympathy to you. I remember you two so well having the old Antler's hotel. I believe you had it at the time I worked for Human Services and our office was a tenant. And was at a couple of Universalist meetings. Have a great time tripping the universe Bob!"

Kella Klinker-Simonin wrote on Jan 21, 2014:

"I missed you both today at Third Age College. We are studying "My Favorite Universe" with Neil DeGrasse Tyson. I think Bob would enjoy listening to him. Tyson reminded us that we are made of star stuff. We come from star stuff and return to it. In my mind I see Bob at the Clay County Events Center selling caramel corn and salt water taffy. His smile said, "I am happy to be here." "

Mark & Sandy Fodness wrote on Jan 21, 2014:

"Dear Sarah and family, We are so saddened by Bob's passing...He was such a kind and dear friend...Our thoughts and prayers, "

Shannon Dunham wrote on Jan 21, 2014:

"Sending warm thoughts and hugs to your family during this time of loss. I know he was surrounded my the love of his beautiful family...God Bless."

Amy Ness and Family wrote on Jan 21, 2014:

"Dave, Rabab and Family, Thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time. "

Peggy Rick wrote on Jan 21, 2014:

"Dear Koepp family, Was saddened to hear of Bob's passing. My thoughts are with you all."

Bob Sneitzer wrote on Jan 21, 2014:

"Bob was a key force in founding, developing and growing the Iowa Lakes Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. His thoughts and actions will be missed. Our love and support are with Sara and the family."

Gloria Christenson wrote on Jan 20, 2014:

"Sorry to read of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family."

Sally Christensen DeLoss wrote on Jan 20, 2014:

"Dave, Rabab and family, so sorry to hear about Bob's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Take care. "