Ronald James Koepsell

Ronald James Koepsell, born on March 13, 1944, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, peacefully passed away on July 1, 2026, at the VA Hospital in Milwaukee after a valiant battle with cancer. He was 82 years old. Ron was the beloved son of the late Gerhard Koepsell and Lydia (Moeller) Koepsell. Ron is survived by his devoted wife, Karen, and his loving sisters, Margaret Hartwig, Judith (Adrian) Ehlers, and Mary Sorrentino, sister-in-law Brenda (Tom) Metzger along with several nieces and nephews who adored him. He was predeceased in death by his parents, grandparents, brothers-in-law: James Hartwig and Sal Sorrentino, sister-in-law Norine (Theis) Metzger, in-laws Norman and Marge Theis, and numerous other close relatives. Ron graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran High School June 18, 1962 (Please note that Karen was only 7 years old at this time - a fact she liked to remind him of often so why stop now). He was very active in many extra curricular activities: Barber Shop Quartet, Theater, Baseball and Football to name a few. After graduating he attended Northwestern College for a pre-seminary education. While there he played football and even made the newspaper for "scoring a drive in the 1st period of the game resulting in a 7-0 win that game. After his first year at Northwestern he realized he may not make a good pastor so he enrolled in Milton College, he made the Dean's List every year and graduated with honors on June 11, 1967. (Note, Karen was now 12 years old). In October of 1967, Ron received a different call, a call to serve his country. He attended boot camp in Fort Huachuca, AZ and was assigned to the Headquarters' Headquarters' company of the 1st Aviation Brigade "Golden Hawks" He was stationed in Long Binh, Viet Nam for 18 months. His rank was SP5-E5 Personnel Specialist Clerk. The 1st Aviation Brigade was a massive logistics and command center in charge of nearly 1/2 of all the Army's helicopters and all of its fixed wing aircraft. The Golden Hawks were pioneers in the development and perfection of the helicopter warfare in Viet Nam. During the day his position was to manage the movement of Army personnel from one location to another within Viet Nam. At night he had perimeter duty and was stationed at observation posts. These posts were strategically vital for monitoring enemy activities and preventing incursions. He returned to the United States in late 1969 and was honorably discharged in July 1970. He enrolled at the University of Wisconsin/Whitewater and graduated with a degree of "Master of Business Administration" in August of 1972. He worked for the Defense Industry for 20+ years before changing careers in 1995 when he went back to school to become a Financial Planner. Ron's life was a testament to love, friendship, and perseverance. He was cherished by his family and friends, and he dedicated his life to those he held dear. In 1986, during Memorial Day weekend, Ronald was blessed to meet the love of his life, Karen Margaret Theis. Embodying the essence of Genesis 2:18 = “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” A few months later they married: October 25, 1986, and for nearly 40 years, they shared a life filled with love and companionship. As most of you know Ron was an avid golfer. Living in California from 1979 - 2020 he met and played with many famous golfers some of which Karen also had the privilege to meet: Paul Azinger, Gary Hallberg, Payne Stewart and more recently Mark Wilson. He also met other famous people at the driving range in Los Angeles: former Packers player, Marv Fleming, former Lakers coach, Byron Scott and many others. He had a natural ability to look at a person's swing and was able to tell you what you were doing wrong and showed you how to correct it. Some of those people are here today. He was even helping some of the medical staff while he was in the hospital. Golf was Ron. Throughout his life, Ron exemplified the values of kindness, humility, and resilience. His laughter and warmth were infectious, bringing joy to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Ron's steadfast faith in his Savior and unwavering love for his family were the cornerstones of his life, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire. A man of deep faith, Ron found strength and solace in his spiritual beliefs, which guided him through life's challenges and triumphs right to the end. He was a beacon of hope and compassion, always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. In honor of Ron's life and his generous spirit, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary / Martin Luther College or Wisconsin Lutheran High School continuing his legacy of giving and kindness. Ron Koepsell will be dearly missed but never forgotten. His memory lives on in the hearts of each of you. As we celebrate his life, let us remember the love he had for his Savior and his wish that each of you would know Him also. May Ron rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love he shared so freely throughout his life. Funeral Service: St John's Lutheran Church 20851 W Main St / Lannon WI 53036 Sunday, July 12 Visitation 1:00 - 3:00 Service 3:00 with luncheon to follow