Gladys Marie Koepke, 94, Owensville, passed away Friday, Dec. 24, 2021, at Gasconade Manor in Owensville.
She was born Sept. 18, 1927, to Henry and Rachel (Houseman) Michel in Bland.
She was united in marriage to Chester Walter Koepke, Sept. 22, 1945, in Bland.
Gladys was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Bem where she had enjoyed quilting, teaching Sunday School and was a member of Pairs and Spares. She and Ches enjoyed dancing, traveling, getting to see 48 of the 50 states. After Ches passed she enjoyed spending more time with her family, cooking, baking cinnamon rolls and pies, especially coconut cream.
She was preceded in death by parents Henry and Rachel; husband Chester; son Eugene “Gene” Koepke and wife Fran; brothers Victor, Raymond, Elmer, Donald and Johnny Michel; and sister Arlene Michel.
She is survived by son James Koepke and wife Dorathea of Cuba; daughter-in-law Deb Koepke of Columbia; sister-in-law Pat Michel of Bland; grandchildren Michelle Smith and husband Jim of Owensville, Michael Koepke and wife Becky of Cuba, Jeffrey Koepke and wife Connie of Cuba, Laura Lentz and husband Jeff of Columbia and Mark Koepke of Columbia; and great-grandchildren Lauren Bearden and husband Neil of St. Charles, Claire Smith of Union, Emily Juranus and husband Darren of Nixa, Anna Koepke and Adam Koepke both of Columbia, Abigail Koepke of Springfield, Rachel Koepke of Cuba, Averie Koepke, Lillyanne Lentz and Roselynn Lentz all of Columbia.
Visitation will be Wednesday (today), Dec. 29, from 9-11 a.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Bem.
Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with pastor Jeff Remelius officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Memorials requested for St. John’s United Church of Christ Cemetery or Bowen Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Gottenstroeter Funeral Home, Owensville.
