John M. 'Jack' Koeppl

Judy, Jackie, Pat & Kelly, Sorry for your loss. The short time I knew your dad when I was in high school touched my life. Your a strong family and god will take care of everything. Hang in there - Brad

To the family of Jack - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I was introduced to Jack by my husband Larry Huber. Jack was a kind and wonderful man and I just want you to know how much he touched the lives of those in the fire service. Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers as you move through this transition in your life. With sympathy, Jenni Huber

Judy and family, my sincere condolences. Jack will be sorely missed. I remember when I first met Jack as a student at St. Paul’s. Jack was a man of deep faith but also a man of great intellect, and he demonstrated to me that the two were not irreconcilable. When Jack became a colleague at DeWitt I came to know him as a fierce advocate for his clients but also a man of great humor and warmth. When greeting him in the office with a “how are you?” he invariably responded by saying “I’m great!” As a friend, Jack introduced me to books on tape as a way of re-engaging an interest in literature, including obscure books I never would have read but for his suggestions. It’s a habit that I still enjoy. He shared his stories about Scouts and outdoors, and provided encouragement when I was a Scout leader. Upon his retirement he shared his experiences with the Red Cross and other relief agencies. For a person of such intellect and skill, he found joy in the simple acts of handing out food to those in need during disaster relief, something any of us could do. As his license plate reflected, he was grateful for all things. And he was especially proud of his family -- Judy, his children and grandchildren. Even in his final months he remained grateful for all he had, continued to share his life with others and continued to look forward to next year’s flowers. A remarkable man of such depth and contrasts and love of life. I was grateful to know him and will always remember him.

Dearest Judy, woman of strength and courage and acceptance and hope! What challenges this year and recent times! May Jack soar with Tom and Frank. And, may these new saints share their tales of soaring with their favorite sister. WIth gratitude for every one of our brief, but intense, shared memories, Kris Coffey (Rieck) PS Heard just now from Carole Everton thru Gabe Blood. We are in MKE with John just home from 12 days at St. Luke's and 6 in ICU; my hip replacement on 4.26 kept me from GB; and John's daily IV antibiotics keep me from Madison.