Byron E. Koepke March 5 1944 to March 5, 2012

Byron E. Koepke, 68, Lincoln, died Monday, March 5, 2012, at Clark Jeary Retirement Community in Lincoln. Byron was born on March 5, 1944, to Harold J. and Eda M. (VanBoening) Koepke in Hastings. He was baptized and confirmed in Trinity Lutheran Church, Blue Hill. He graduated from Blue Hill High School in 1962. He attended classes at Kearney State College until his education was interrupted by being called to serve his country from March 19, 1968 to October 23, 1969 in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star. When he returned he enrolled at the University of Nebraska Lincoln and obtained his degree in Agronomy and Soil Science in 1971.
He married Yvonne Chapman and to this union one son was born. He lived in Montana, Southern Colorado and Alaska. During the time he was in Alaska he and a co-worker were often dropped from a helicopter to map the tundra and spent weeks camping in remote areas. He also lived in Eritrea in East Africa for a short time. Their goal was to improve the water quality. He enjoyed his opportunities to fish, had good gardening abilities and more recently his young grandson was the focus of his attention.
Bryon is survived by son, Brent (Lindsey), Lincoln; sister, Lamira Karsting, Blue Hill; brother, Kenneth (Gerry), Grand Island; grandson, Bode; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Dean Karsting.
Services were Saturday, March 10, 2012, 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Blue Hill, with Rev. Joshua Lowe officiating. Burial with military rites by A.L. Shirley Post #176 was in the Blue Hill Cemetery. There will be no viewing or visitation. The remains were cremated. Memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church, A.L. Shirley Post #176 or the donor's choice.
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