Jack A. Koepke

Jack A. Koepke, 78, of Kewanee, passed away Friday, June 13, 2025, at Arcadia Care, Kewanee. Jack was born September 2, 1946, in Kewanee, the son of Kurt M. and Marjorie B. (Schmidt) Koepke. Jack graduated from Wethersfield High School with the class of 1965, where he was a track stand-out; he attended Black Hawk College. Jack married Anne Tietz on June 26, 1966, in Kewanee; she survives.

Jack is also survived by two children, Karol (Marty) Ellison, Glasford, Illinois, Neil (Melissa) Koepke, Cumming, Georgia; four grandchildren, Mitchell (Sarah), Kyle (fiancé, Megan), and Emma Ellison, Morgann (fiancé, Peyton) Koepke; great grandson, Eli Jack Ellison; one sister, Linda (David) Muth, Colorado Springs, Colorado; and two nieces, Sarah Koepke and Becky (Derek) Koepke-Hill. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Gary Koepke.

Jack was always learning and growing in his talents. Jack was an Industrial Engineer for a number of years and was a sales representative for 25 years. He was also a welding instructor at Black Hawk College. He worked at the Kewanee Boiler and Image Industries, Inc. He was the owner of Creative Application Products; designed and fabricated custom parts, did value added assemblies, consulting, and welder repair. He holds a patent for a wire-tie stud assembly. Jack was a member of Zion Lutheran Church where he was a member for numerous years, he served on the council, the property committee and sang in the choir. Welding was not just a skill for Jack, but a passion. His talents in this area were not kept to himself; he generously lent his skills to his church, fixing the advent wreath stand. Gardening was another of Jack's joys. His garden was a testament to his patience and attention to detail. Jack was always on the go, a man who could not be kept still. Whether he was fixing, building, or simply lending a hand, he was happiest when he was in motion, contributing to the world around him. Jack's memory will live on as a beacon of what it means to live a life full of purpose and kindness.

Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Golnick-Schueneman Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Friday, June 20, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church. Pastor Linnea Gustafson will officiate. A private family burial will be held at Pleasant View Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family for a fund that will be set up for local students to help obtain items to help them in their pursuit of trades or Zion Lutheran Church, Kewanee. Online condolences for Jack's family may be left at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com.