Emil Czepa Jr.

Emil Czepa Jr. passed away on February 17, 2026 at the age of 91 surrounded by family. Emil was born on May 10th, 1934 on a farm northeast of Avoca, MN to Emil and Johanna (Popkes) Czepa. They moved to a farm southwest of Fulda in 1935 and he attended country school there for 4 years. In 1942 they moved to a farm east of Fulda and attended Fulda Grade School and High School from 5th grade through his graduation in May of 1951.

In 1953, Emil enlisted in the US Navy. After basic training he was sent to mine and torpedo training in Yorktown, VA. He was assigned to the USS Gilmore, where his duties included mines and torpedoes. He was honorably discharged in 1957. After returning home he started working for Land O'- Lakes, transporting milk from farmers to the plant in Mountain Lake for processing.

Emil met the love of his life, Betty Pollak, in the fall of 1957, and they were married on April 4, 1959. They made their home in Fulda and raised their 7 children. In 1963, he took over the Oak Grove Milk Distributing Business from Harold and Betty Haar. He delivered milk to individual homes, farms and businesses, including area grocery stores (Fulda, Slayton, Dundee and Kinbrae) and the Fulda Nursing Home.

In 1979, he started driving a school bus for Wieskus Bus Service and later for Jim Witzel Bus Service. He formed many friendships and fond memories throughout the years with the kids that road his bus. In September of 1996 he retired from Oak Grove Distributing but continued driving the school bus until 2015.

Emil believed in serving his community. He was an EMT for the Fulda Ambulance for 9 years. He belonged to the American Legion for 57 years and VFW for 64 years. He was Quartermaster for the VFW for 47 years and distributed medical equipment to those in need. He was also a member of St Gabriel's Catholic Church in Fulda and was a Minister of Hospitality there for several years.

After retiring, he and Betty began traveling. Destinations included Alaska, Hawaii, Germany, Canada, Florida, Arizona, Texas, Washington DC, and Mexico. Emil also started a hobby of creating stained-glass decorations. He enjoyed pheasant hunting and LOVED taking in sporting events of his children and grandchildren, including all their High School and College sporting events. This was his pride and joy.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Betty Czepa; parents Emil Sr. & Johanna Czepa; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry & Margaret Pollak; brothers & sister and their spouses: Walter Czepa, Francis & Gladys Czepa, Lester & Genevieve Czepa, Dorothy & Clair Springman, and Bonnie (James) Czepa and sister-in-law, Maxine Pollack.

He is survived by his children, Doug (Julie) Czepa of Papillion, NE; Laurel (Mike) Pap of Sioux Falls, SD; Lisa (Tom) Diekmann of Lismore, MN; Bob (Martha) Czepa of Woodbury, MN; Jeff (Jodi) Czepa of Rogers, MN; Jerry (Debbie) Czepa of Proctor, MN; Cory (Sarah) Czepa of Prior Lake, MN; 17 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandson, brother, James Czepa and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral Services

St. Gabriel's Catholic Church Fulda, MN, at 10:30 AM on Thursday, February 26, 2026 with Msgr. Richard Colletti celebrating. The organist is Sharon Lais. The song leader is Sheila Crowley. The pallbearers are his grandchildren. Interment atSt. Gabriel's Cemetery in Fulda.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 6 PM at the St. Gabriel's Catholic Church in Fulda and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. The Totzke Funeral Home in Fulda is assisting the family with arrangements.