05/08/1921 - 06/03/2019
Emil Koepplin, of Lodi passed away peacefully on June 3rd, 2019 at the age of 98. He was born in Elgin, North Dakota on May 8th, 1921 to Jacob and Mathilda Koepplin, one of nine children. After the Great Depression, his family eventually settled in Victor, CA.
Emil served in World War II in the U.S. Army from 1942-1945. His service took him to North Africa, Italy, Southern France, Austria, and Germany. Emil received a Citation of Merit for his service in the Battle of the Bulge. He was very proud to be a veteran.
After his discharge from the Army, Emil married Anna Just on October 31st, 1945 in Lodi, CA. They were blessed to spend 73 wonderful years together. Emil was employed as a line operator for General Mills for 33 years, retiring in 1983. In addition to raising three daughters, Emil and Anna enjoyed traveling to Hawaii and Europe, including The Holy Land and Egypt.
Emil had many skills and hobbies which included collecting and restoring pocket watches, woodworking, mechanics, and going to flea markets. He was a charter member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and volunteered his talents assisting with projects at church.
Emil is preceded in death by his parents; spouse Anna on March 5th, 2019; daughter Linda Norton; brothers Albert, Reinhold, Jake, and Rudy; sisters Lena, Frieda, and Martha. He is survived by his sister Hertha Katzakian, daughters Loretta Marshall of Auburn and Diane Green(Rob) of Madera, grandchildren Kristen Farrar(Jim) of Davis, Greg Marshall(TovenJ) of Newport OR, Sara Harper (Brad) and Matt Green(Jessica) of Fresno. He is also blessed with 5 great-grandchildren, Allison, Sam, Trevor, Kylie, and Addison.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Vienna nursing home, Vistas Hospice, and Dr. Edmund Freund for their outstanding care and compassion.
Emil will be greatly missed by his and family.
Service
Per the request of the family, services for Emil Koepplin will be held privately through Cherokee Memorial.
Donations may be made in Emil’s honor to Loel Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, 105 S. Washington St., Lodi CA, 95240.
Cherokee Memorialis honored to serve the Koepplin family.
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