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Obituary for Perry D. Koepke
Living to help others guarantees our legacy will live on in others. This is how Perry Koepke lived his life and, though leaving earth entirely too soon, at the age of 15, his positive impact through teaching life lessons will carry on his memory for the years to come.
Perry was born at home in Bucyrus on February 7, 2004 to David and Carla (Spiegel) Koepke. Their family moved to Wyandot County when he was around 18 months old and he was home schooled through fourth grade. In fifth grade, he attended Union School and was currently a sophomore at Upper Sandusky High School where he played percussion in both the marching and concert bands, served on the Student Advisory Board, ran sound for their musicals, enjoyed playing chess with the Chess Club, and cherished time spent with his girlfriend, Ruth Baldwin.
Soccer and music occupied his life from a very young age. When he could kick a ball, he did so with his older siblings and at the age of 5, he began playing BAY Soccer. At 13, he became a certified referee with the US Soccer Federation and reffed games for BAY Soccer and traveled around the state with his dad refereeing games. He started cello lessons at age 6 and was a longtime student of Bucyrus Suzuki Strings, led by Mary Ann Basinger. He performed at recitals and played for nursing homes and area churches.
For many years, Perry used his smile and personal charm to help his mom and aunt at Carle’s during holidays as a carryout and this summer in bratwurst production. He also worked as an IT Assistant for Mr. Frye at USHS. He enjoyed time spent on computers and was a gifted gamer who coached others on what he knew. His family vacations were often many brief trips around various historical sites and the Atlantic coast. His interest in aviation was inherited from his maternal grandmother who was a pilot. He was proud to have recently flown in a Cessna airplane and even got to take control of a portion of the flight. He was baptized and grew up at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bucyrus and most recently had been active in Reignite through Trinity Methodist in Upper Sandusky.
In addition to his parents, Perry is survived by siblings Orrin Koepke of Seattle, WA, Ella Koepke and partner, Cedric Rennie of Ontario, Anna Koepke and partner, Adam Kesler of Findlay; paternal grandparents, Robert and Judith Koepke of Parma; Aunt Chris and Uncle Ken Berry and their children, Colton and Brooke; Aunt Laura and Uncle Jordan Frazier and their children, Nick and Calvin. Perry is resting peacefully with his maternal grandparents, Warren and Ruth Spiegel and paternal great grandmother, Jean Bussman.
His family will receive friends from 1-3 and 5-7 pm Sunday, December 1 at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St. Bucyrus, Ohio. Perry’s funeral will be held at 11:00 am Monday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 130 S. Walnut St., Bucyrus with Pastor Mike Greenler officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations payable to Upper Sandusky Music Boosters, Rachel’s Challenge, or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home or at church on the morning of services. Tributes and photos are encouraged to be shared on his Tribute Wall.
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