"Al, Joan and Roy - we send our condolences to the entire family during this difficult time. We pray that God will see you all through this and give you his comfort. Oscar was a man of honesty and integrity and so many times saw him reading the Bible - a man of God for sure. It was an honor to have known him. That image continues through Phil and Diane who took care of him for the last part of his life. We love you all!"
In loving memory of
Oscar Koeppel
October 16, 1918 - February 14, 2017
Oscar Koeppel, of Phlox, died Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at Evergreen Terrace. He was 98 years old. He was born on October 16, 1918 in Phlox, a son of Albert and Anna (Heinzen) Koeppel. He married Audrey Schleinz on March 1, 1944 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Phlox. She preceded him in death on March 6, 1997.
He served in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII having flown 32 missions over Germany and northern Italy.
Mr. Koeppel owned and operated Koeppel Well Drilling from 1948 until 1985 when his son Phil began operating the business.
He was a member of St. Joseph Holy Family Catholic Church in Phlox, the Devine Menting American Legion Post #525 - Phlox and was an Associate of the Religious Hospitalers of St. Joseph.
He loved to play cards, enjoyed raising Christmas trees, reading and watching the Green Bay Packers.
Survivors include four daughters, Karen (Eugene) Schisel, Burlington, Iowa, Cindy (Jeff) Kielman, Phlox, Marilyn "Lyn" (David) Baraniak, Antigo, Janet "Jan" (Larry) Schmidt, Antigo; three sons, Jerry (Marilynn) Koeppel, Stevens Point, Philip (Diane) Koeppel, Antigo, Bob (Melanie) Koeppel, Antigo; daughter in law, Marcia Koeppel, Merrimac; a sister, Theresa Welch, Antigo; a brother, Joseph Koeppel, Wausau; 22 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary, a son, Eugene, a foster son, Timothy Lemke; two sisters, Frances Wilhelm, and Adeline Kowalski; five brothers, Alphonse, Clarence, Edward, Martin, and Vernon Koeppel.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday February 20, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Holy Family Catholic Church with The Very Rev. James Baraniak, O.Praem., Prior of St. Norbert Abbey and Deacon Tom Hartman officiating. Burial will take place in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery where the Devine-Menting American Legion Post will conduct military honors.
Visitation will be 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Bradley Funeral Home and 10 a.m. until the time of services on Monday at the church.
A parish wake service, led by Deacon Tony DeBroux, will be held at 5 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.
Tributes
"Sweet Oscar was in the room next to my mom Leona Carlson who passed away at Evergreen Terrace in Oct. I used to love visiting him and saying hello everyday at suppertime. We popped in for his birthday for a minute, too, and couldn't believe he was that age...such a kind and happy gentleman. I will miss him when I come back to town. Blessings and God's peace be with you all as we remember a fine man. Valerie
"
"Lyn, Dave and family - we are so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Paul & Mary McDougal"