Richard Koepsel, 68, passed away on Oct. 8, 2013 at the Solvay Hospice House with his family at his side.

He was born in Wausau, Wisconsin, to Karl and Mary Koepsel. Richard grew up on the pristine Koepsel farm in nearby Eland where he fished in the backyard creek, picked apples from their own orchard, and hunted the surrounding woods for small game when his chores were done.

Richard graduated from Wittenburg High School and joined the U.S. Coast Guard, serving on the cutter Woodrush out of Duluth. Upon leaving the Coast Guard, Richard worked as a letter carrier for many years and enjoyed his hobby of collecting and using antique tools.

Richard married his true love, Eunice, and he instantly became the stepfather to her ten children. The children were greatly blessed through the years with Richard’s love, patience, wit, wisdom, and his great cooking. He readily shared his appreciation for nature and passed on some of his expert knowledge of ornithology. Even in such a large family, Richard pursued simplicity in life and successfully instilled that philosophy in others.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Eunice, by grandson Levi Madison, and by his parents. He is survived by five sons: Duane (Maryann Swidersky) Madison, Dale (Jyll) Pagenkopf, Wayne (Diane) Bolen, James Madison, and Bradley (Beth Kontur) Madison; five daughters: Donna (Frank) Libal, Lynn (the late Lowell) Johnson, Jan (Stephen) Berguson, Georgann Madison and Sally (Craig Cullen) Madison; 20 grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren.

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank oncologist, Dr. Ayse Dincer of the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, for her tireless efforts to help Richard get well. Also, Solvay Hospice House in Duluth provided not only a beautiful and peaceful environment for Richard during his last days, but also compassionate and tender care around the clock. Richard’s family is very grateful for the high-level medical skill that enabled them to lovingly embrace additional precious time with him here on earth. “May our souls capture this treasured time. May our spirits celebrate our meeting.”

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at First Evangelical Covenant Church, 3311 Hammond Ave., Superior, WI. Visitation will be from 12 noon until the 1:00 p.m. service. Pastor Stephen M. Staurseth will officiate. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

Arrangements by Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th Street, Superior, WI

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