Mary June Koepke

It is with deep sorrow and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Mary June Koepke on April 24, 2024, surrounded by the love and prayer of family and friends. Mary was born June 19, 1929, in Milwaukee to parents Raymond and Lucille Schaefer.   

Mary graduated from Holy Angels High School in Milwaukee in 1947.  After high school she worked at Wisconsin Bridge and Iron and Miller Brewery until she and Art started their family and raised five wonderful children. She will be remembered for her talent as a seamstress who could sew anything including school uniforms, barbie clothes, curtains and drapes without a pattern. She passed her love of crafting and reading to her children and grandchildren.  

Mary enjoyed her ladies golf league, volunteering, knitting, and swimming.  She and Art opened their home and hearts to host many gatherings for family and friends where a good time was always had.  She was renowned for her cheesecake, "birthday cake" and chocolate chip cookies. Mary and Art enjoyed many golf trips and traveling abroad.  Mary was devoted to her family and set an example of compassion, kindness, strength and faith.

Mary will be missed by her loving and devoted husband Art, of 71 years, and their children: Stephen (Susan) Koepke, Southaven, MS; Mary Dunn, Wausau, WI; Jane (Donnie) Alvis, Oregon, WI; Carol (Rick) Goecke, Cottage Grove, MN; and Peter (Lizzy) Koepke, Beaver Dam, WI. Grandchildren: Patrick, Shannon, Ryley, Connor, Kyle, Abbey, Jeffrey (Brittany), Hannah, Hazel, Charlie and Tommy.  Mary and Art were blessed with one great-grandchild, Gunnar Koepke.  

She is further survived by Carol (Robert) Meganck; Geri Barwick; John (Rosie) Schaefer; sister-in-law Lois Schaefer, many nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Lucille Schaefer, son Arthur, her brother William Schaefer and brother-in-law Lee Barwick.

A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 11:00 am, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 113 W Kort Street, Rothschild. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am until the time of service. Rev. Joseph Albert will officiate. Following the mass, Mary will be laid to rest in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Our family wishes to thank the entire staff of the 4^th floor at NCHC for their compassion and unwavering care and support. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Sacred Heart Southern Missions, 6050 Highway 161, Walls, MS 38686 or Alzheimer's Association Greater Wisconsin Chapter, 2600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 25, Wausau WI  54401