JACK KOEPPEL

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JACK KOEPPEL After a courageous battle with heart disease, Jack passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 10, 2006, at 85 years of age. He will be loved and remembered always by his children, John Koeppel, Gloria Mancini (Mark), Monica Koeppel and their mother Joan. Granddaughters, Andrea and Vanessa Mancini will always be his treasured princesses . Jack also leaves to mourn, his daughter in Germany, Ingrid Gerken (Dieter) and granddaughters, Anja, Claudia and Susanne and great-grandsons, Nico, Dany, Malte and Michael as well as his youngest brother Gustav (Agnes) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his infant son Paul Koeppel in 1964. Jack was born near Hof, Germany on February 14, 1921. After the Second World War, he was grateful to make Canada his home and arrived at Pier 21 in December 1952. He made his way as far as Winnipeg and soon met and married Joan Wilson on July 31, 1954. Jack brought his skill as an optician to this country and was employed for several years with Finkleman's Optometrists. He then went on to managerial careers with C.I.S. (Cooperators) Insurance, Inuit Co-operatives Cambridge Bay, Westman Media Cable Systems and the Manitoba Government Department of Co-operative Development. Jack was a trailblazer and a risk-taker in business and always brought a high degree of integrity and intelligence to all his pursuits. Our dad was in every way a citizen of the world and treated everyone he encountered with a high degree of respect and understanding. He was truly a gentle man who was always there for his family when they needed him. He went about his life in a quiet, humble way and remained constantly optimistic about the world around him. Dad will always be remembered for his grace and humility and for his thoughtful way of saying goodbye, Now remember, be good to yourself . Many thanks to Dr. Kevin Coates and all the staff at St. Boniface Hospital, Riverview Day Hospital, Nadine from WeCare Home Services and the Winnipeg Paramedic Service who always showed the utmost kindness and respect throughout the last few months. Jack always commended your high degree of professionalism. A special thank you to Kent and Sarah of the Winnipeg Police Service for their support and kindness on a very difficult day. A service to celebrate and give thanks for Jack's life will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. on Thursday, June 15 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Jack would appreciate that your kindness be directed to those in need. At this time he would suggest the New Life Ministries , 514 Maryland St., Winnipeg, MB R3G 1M5 in support of the selfless work of Rev. Harry Lehotsky. Love you forever, Dad - you've earned your rest and remember - Be Good to Yourself CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 13, 2006