INSURANCE AGENT KNOWN FOR HOLIDAY DECORATIONS DIES AT 51

Kenneth J. Voepel, a longtime Cape Girardeau insurance agent, died Sunday, Feb. 16, 1997, at Southeast Missouri Hospital. He was 51.

In addition to his business and civic accomplishments, Voepel will be well remembered for his annual participation in the Cape Girardeau Holiday of Lights tour and contest. Each year, he literally covered every inch of his business -- Ken Voepel American Family Insurance at 2256 Kingsway Dr. -- with thousands of holiday lights. His impressive display won first place honors year after year.

Thousands of cars drove by his business each holiday season, backing up traffic on Kingsway and even on Broadway as motorists craned to get a glimpse. Voepel himself often dressed up as Santa Claus in the evenings, handing out treats to children who came to see the light display.

He began decorating his business in the late 1980s, and the display became more intricate each year. Voepel also had a Christmas light display at the Cape Girardeau County Park for several years.

He was born Dec. 25, 1945, in Cape Girardeau County to Bernhard "Johnny" W. and Concordia Meinz Voepel.

He married Judith Minnis Nov. 27, 1971, in St. Louis.

He owned and operated Ken Voepel American Family Insurance for 18 years. He served in the Navy, and was a member of V.F.W. Post 3838. He was a member of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce and many civic organizations. He was a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church.

He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University.

Survivors include his wife; his mother of Altenburg; one son, Eric J. Voepel of Cape Girardeau; one daughter, Anne M. Voepel of Cape Girardeau; and two sisters, Janice Unger and Christine Belker, both of Jackson.

Friends may call at the Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel today from 4-8 p.m.

Funeral service will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the chapel, with the Revs. Paul Short and William Matzat officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.