Obit: Schoepke, Walter L. #2 (1926 - 2016)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Anderson, Engel, Juza, Schoepke, Vail, Wege, Zander

----Source: The Hemer Funeral Home (Medford and Rib Lake, WI) 9/30/2016

Schoepke, Walter L. (12 OCT 1924 - 29 SEP 2016)

Walter L. Schoepke, 91, of Medford, passed away Thursday September 29, 2016 at Aspirus Care and Rehab.

Walter was born October 12, 1924 in Green Bay, WI to Louis and Kathryn (Wege) Schoepke.

He is a graduate of Green Bay West High School. He married Lois Zander on June 16, 1956 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Medford. Lois survives, and lives in Medford.

Walter is survived by his children, Gregory (Mary Jo) Schoepke of New Berlin, Marilee (Mike) Vail of Cedar Rapids, IA, grandchildren: Victoria (Joshua) Anderson, Allison (Dustin) Engel, Rebecca and Elizabeth Schoepke, and Melissa Vail, great grandchildren; Layla and Hudson Engel.

He is preceded in death by his Parents.

Upon high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy and served under Admiral Halsey as a Cryptographer, and played the clarinet and saxophone in the Navy Band. He had the opportunity to play with the Bob Hope and Jack Benny Bands on their tours for the troops throughout the South Pacific.

Upon completion of his military service, Walter returned to Green Bay and worked for Sheffield Cheese and Olson Transportation. He attended St. Norbert’s University where he received his Bachelor’s degree with a major in English and a minor in History. He then accepted a position with Medford Sr. High School teaching History and English and eventually became the chairman of the English Department at the high school. During the 60’s Walter spent several summers at Indiana University earning his Master’s Degree in Developmental Reading. Walter developed the Title 1 Program for the Medford School District. He dedicated a lot of his time to the high schools Forensics Program.

During his summers off Walter first worked for the Taylor County Highway Department on the road crew, and then Neuendorf Transportation as a rate clerk and dispatcher at night and during his summers off. Walter served 37 years in the Medford School District, and retired in 1991.

Walter always had a passion for music throughout his entire life. He was a member of the Lumberjack Band which played on the sidelines of the Packer games. He played in the Jolly Boys Band from Medford, and the Green Bay and Medford City Bands.

He was a member of The Landua-Jensen American Legion Post # 147, and was instrumental in the startup of the Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremonies held at the Mill Pond.

Walter was of the Catholic Faith, and was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, and season ticket holder.

Walter loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed time spent at the cottage on Sacketts Lake.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday October 5, 2016 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Father Phil Juza will officiate. Burial of cremated remains will take place at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II. Visitation will be held Sunday October 2, 2016 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM, at Hemer Funeral Home Medford Chapel.

In honor of Walter, memorial donations can be given to The Landua-Jensen American Legion Post # 147.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements.

Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.