Richard "Dick" R. Koeppen

Richard “Dick” R. Koeppen, age 83 of Clintonville passed away unexpectedly at his home Wednesday morning March 27, 2024.

Richard Robert Koeppen was born on March 1, 1941 in Shawano as the son of the late Joe and Marie (Samz) Koeppen. Richard, affectionately known as “Dick”, was not even a year old when his father passed away of leukemia. Dick was then raised by his grandmother in rural Clintonville. He attended Pella Rural Elementary School and graduated from Clintonville High School in 1959 lettering in baseball. Dick became a standout baseball player for the Clintonville A’s in BABA. He led the league in hitting in 1975 and was the homerun champion in 1965 & 1977. He also played with the Green Bay Blue Ribbons in 1972. Dick attended St. Norbert’s College and graduated from Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in Milwaukee. He worked briefly at Harder Funeral Home in Milwaukee and returned to Clintonville to care for his ailing grandmother where he also worked a short time at Rhodes & Beil Funeral Home. Dick was then employed as an Advertising Manager and Sports Writer for the Tribune Gazette in town for 24 years. He served as a volunteer fireman for 15 years and spent time as an EMT with Clintonville Area Ambulance Service. He was also a faithful member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Clintonville where he served as an usher. Since 1987 Dick operated Koeppen’s Medical Transports, Truck City Taxi, and Koeppen Livery Service; a job he loved and operated until the day he passed.

Richard was united in marriage to Kay Hupke on September 1, 1962 at St. Rose. The couple had 3 children; Jeff, Sherri, and Robert prior to Kay’s passing. He was later married to Nancy Manser Harris on October 14, 1995 at St. Martin Lutheran Church in Clintonville; welcoming step-children Jodi, Mark, and Bobbi and their families into his life. 

Many will remember Dick for his time spent as a public servant which included the following: City Council 1990-2000, and was Mayor of Clintonville from 2000-2004. On the Statewide level, Dick was an active member of the Wisconsin Counties Association from 2009-2015, serving as president of the association from 2011-2012. He served on the Shawano Hospital Board and as chair was instrumental in the construction of the new hospital. He was also a valuable member of the Wisconsin County Mutual Insurance Corporation Board since 2014. Dick was part of the County Board from 1998-2024 and was Chair from 2004-2024. He served on multiple county committees and also served the East Central Wisconsin Regional Plan Commission Board Member 2004-2024 and Commission Chair 2008-2009. Dick definitely had a passion for trying to better his community and surrounding area. His efforts, knowledge, and dedication will be greatly missed. 

Richard is survived by his wife Nancy, Children Jeff ( Lisa), Sherri, and Robert (Julie) Koeppen. Grandchildren: Erik, Troy, Katherine, Jordan, Jett, and Isabella. The family would like to give a special thank you to Keith “Sod” Soldner for his friendship to Dick. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, wife Kay, and numerous friends and relatives. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Richard on Saturday April 6, 2024 at 11am at St. Rose Catholic Church, 27 7th Street, Clintonville, WI 54929. Fr. Timothy Shillcox O. Praem will officiate and burial will follow at the church cemetery in Clintonville. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday April 6, 2024 from 8am until the time of the service. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Clintonville is assisting his family. www.eberhardtstevenson.com