Leroy D. Schoepke Sr

LeRoy D. Schoepke Sr. 85, Wausau, died Saturday, February 12, 2011 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born January 3, 1926 in St. Paul, Minn., son of the late Daniel and Elizabeth (Brettin) Schoepke. On September 7, 1946, he married Pearl Doepke in Pine City, Minn. She preceded him in death on October 7, 2010. LeRoy was a veteran of the United States Marines and served during World War II. For 38 years, he worked for the former Zimpro Corp. in Rothschild, until his retirement. Among his favorite pastimes, Leroy enjoyed bird watching, gardening, trips up North and trips to Lake Nokomis, watching old western movies and dancing, especially, waltzes and polkas. He was an avid deer hunter and fisherman and bow hunting was his favorite. LeRoy was a Milwaukee Brewers fan and Green Bay Packers fan. In 1940, LeRoy won the State Marbles Tournament in Milwaukee and went on to win the District Marbles Championship in Detroit, and was crowned the Midwestern King. He proudly won the National Marbles Championship in Wildwood, N.J. Survivors include, four children, Pearl (Roger) Janikowski, Arizona, Judith "Judy" (Allen Sr.) Dillon, Mosinee, LeRoy Jr. (Debbie) Schoepke, Wausau and Debra (Michael) Conklin, Rib Mountain; seven grandchildren, Jason (Laura) Janikowski, Arizona, Lindsay (Rich Horneman) Janikowski, Arizona, Allen (Tracie Tellock) Dillon, Mosinee, Daniel (Sarah) Dillon, Bevent, Andrew and Robbie Dillon, both of Mosinee, and Timothy ( Jenny) Schoepke, Amherst; five great grandchildren, Noah, Max, Finn and Amelie Schoepke and David Dillon; one brother, Galen (Kathy) Schoepke, Birnamwood; and nieces, nephews, friends and furry grandchildren. Besides his parents and wife, Pearl, he was preceded in death by one infant brother, Clifford. Funeral services will be at Noon Thursday, February 17, 2011 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Rev. Dr. Philip C. Schnieder will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau with full military honors conducted by the Ameican Legion Montgomery Plant Post No. 10, Wausau. Friends may call Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. Dad, we love you very much and we know that you and mom are reunited and dancing together in heaven. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com