Harold Bruce Koepke passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on November 22, 2022, surrounded by his family. Born May 20, 1939, to the late Harold and Margorie (Lackey) Koepke. Brother to the late Don (Nancy) Koepke. Loving husband to the late Jane (Baldwin) Koepke, loving longtime sweetheart to his companion Mary Ann (Sam) Reid, devoted father to Chris (Robert) Hannegan and Darrin (Stephanie) Koepke, adoring Papa to Tyler Bruce and Megan Jayne. Caring family member and friend to many and everyone he met. Bruce was a loving, gentle, and humble soul.
He was born in Higginsville, MO and spent his early childhood in Perryville. His family moved to Bridgeton when he was a teen. He graduated from Pattonville High School in 1957, where he played on the football team. He was a truck driver for Wetterau / SuperValu for over 30 years. He spent his golden years fishing, boating, camping and traveling the world with Sam. Later he was content just sitting on the deck (with a glass of wine, of course).
Bruce’s life was an example of a life well lived. Nothing was too much trouble for his family or those he knew were in need; he would help anyone in any way he could. He liked everyone he met, and everyone in turn liked him. He was always a force of calm and had a positive attitude. Even in his later years when his health was declining, he always wanted to keep trying. His labor of love was his ’54 Chevy truck, fondly known as the “old SB” since it took him 27 years to restore. Bruce was a character. He liked to impersonate John Wayne and sing to Johnny Cash. He was always laughing with his family and friends and giggled like a kid at farts.
Words cannot do justice to this kind man who was greatly loved by all. It may perhaps be best said by the quote next to his senior picture in his high school yearbook: “sharp red hair, pleasing grin, through his life he’ll always win”.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00PM at Kutis Funeral Home, Affton on Tuesday November 29, 2022. Services will be held at 10:00AM at Kutis Funeral Home, Affton on Wednesday November 30, 2022. Interment to follow at Valhalla Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Our Little Haven at 4316 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108.
Chris I am so sorry to hear about your dad, he was a special man and a great dad, I remember how funny he was when I lived on Bonniebrook when we would come over to your house. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Chris I am so sorry to hear about your dad, he was a special man and a great dad, I remember how funny he was when I lived on Bonniebrook when we would come over to your house. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bruce was such a wonderful person. May he Rest in Peace. He will be greatly missed.
Bruce was such a wonderful person. May he Rest in Peace. He will be greatly missed.
Gary and I remember your dad as such a nice man. Praying for you and your family.
Gary and I remember your dad as such a nice man. Praying for you and your family.
May his memory be a blessing to you all.
May his memory be a blessing to you all.
Wish I knew what to write. We have known Bruce for several years and always enjoyed being around him.
Bruce was always smiling and ready to get involved with whatever was going on,. We will miss him. Happy thoughts when I think of Bruce .
Wish I knew what to write. We have known Bruce for several years and always enjoyed being around him.
Bruce was always smiling and ready to get involved with whatever was going on,. We will miss him. Happy thoughts when I think of Bruce .