Harlan "Shep" E. Schoepke

Harlan E “Shep” Schoepke, 79, passed away on October 14, 2022.

Shep was born on April 16, 1943, to Lucille (Braunel) and Harold Schoepke in Wausau, WI.  Shep married Beverly Martin in 1963 and they later divorced.  Shep married Joyce (Gnat) on December 2, 1972.  Shep is survived by his wife Joyce; children Todd (Diane) Schoepke, Tari (Mark) Wainio, Bill (Stacy) Schoepke; four grandchildren Dana (Devan) Harold, Keith (Aubrey) Schoepke, Branden (Ashley) Wainio, Adam (Haley) Wainio; five great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Jane (Tony) Pawelski; ex-wife Beverly (Ron) Martin; special aunts Dawn Mae Burish and Jane Ross; many cousins; special canine Kota.  Shep is preceded in death by his parents Lucille and Harold Schoepke; in-laws Gladys and Richard Gnat.

Shep loved the outdoors and took great care of the flowers in his yard.  He enjoyed watching the birds visit, especially the cardinals.  He valued time with family and friends, always sharing a joke or story to keep the laughter going.  He loved fishing and took many trips to Canada and northern WI, as well as North Dakota and Alaska.  He enjoyed celebrating the holidays and became Santa’s helper for many years by hosting a Snowman Party for neighbors and friends.  He was a party instigator and enjoyed hosting fish fries, always making sure that everyone had more than enough to eat or leftovers to take home.  His laughter and friendship will be missed by many.

Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. on Friday, October 21, 2022 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Rib Mountain.  Pastor Leslie O’Callaghan will officiate.  Visitation will be on Friday, October 21, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at St Andrew Lutheran Church, Rib Mountain.   Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please help us celebrate Shep’s memory by performing a random act of kindness or a good deed, or calling an old friend.