Robert Koeppel

Robert E. "Bob" Koeppel, 79, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, Dec. 12, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

He was born Sept. 2, 1923, in Cape Girardeau, son of Marie Amanda Koeppel. He and Jessie L. Cook were married June 3, 1948, in Baltimore, Md. She died Aug. 8, 2002.

Mr. Koeppel had owned Central Body Shop, and was an autobody welder at Harris Motor Corp. 19 years. He was employed at General Sign 21 years, retiring in 1989, and was the first aluminum welder in the Cape Girardeau area.

He was a member of Maple United Methodist Church, its Men's Club, usher and church board. He was active in Boy Scouts 12 years and received the Ward of Merit Award from Order of the Arrow. He was a life member of VFW Post 3838 and Disabled American Veterans. He was a driver for Cape Girardeau Senior Center nine years, was union steward for IBEW 10 years, and president of the local IBEW 1554 five years.

Mr. Koeppel served in the U.S. Navy from Jan. 23, 1942, to Nov. 19, 1947. He served aboard the USS Cleveland during World War II. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Area Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle East Area (one star), Asiatic-Pacific Area Medal (11 stars), Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, and Philippine Liberation Medal (one star). He had the rank of shipfitter first class.

Survivors include four sons, Doug Madderra of Liberty, N.C., Robert and Millie Koeppel of Jackson, Alan Koeppel of Cape Girardeau, Edward and Sue Koeppel of Jackson; four daughters, Patricia and Charles Mungle of Cape Girardeau, Robin and Andre Payson of Bellevue, Neb., Brenda and Dave Puchbauer of Jackson, Vickie Koeppel of Cape Girardeau; a brother, Roy L. Strack of Nashville, Tenn.; 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother, a sister and a great-grandchild.

Visitation was held at Ford & Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. today at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jim Cooper officiating. Burial will be in Fairmount Cemetery with graveside service by VFW Post 3838.

Pallbearers will be Robert, Ed, Alan, Zack and Caleb Koeppel, and Dave Puchbauer.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cape Girardeau Senior Center or Maple United Methodist Building Fund.