Richard J. Goepel

Of Hartland, WI and Bonita Springs, FL, died peacefully early Friday morning. He was born July 10, 1928 in Green Bay, WI to Richard and Katherine(Harper) Goepel. When he was 6 years old his Dad died and his family relocated to the east side of Milwaukee. He graduated from Riverside High School in 1946. After high school he served in the Korean War and was stationed in the Philippines where he worked as a paymaster. On July 2, 1960 he married Rita McGarty at St. Patrick’s Church in Mauston, WI and they recently celebrated their 56 wedding anniversary. Following the war he worked, and retired from Pabst Brewing Company as a city route driver, and later moved to the plant.

He subscribed to a philosophy of work to live, and live he did. An accomplished bowler he acquired city and state championships and top 10 national finishes, also bowling three sanctioned 300 games. In 1979 he was inducted to the Milwaukee Bowling Hall of Fame. He was a tremendous billiard player, winning the Milwaukee Journal Sports Show and other numerous pool tournaments. His Five and Dime softball team won a national championship, and he continued to play softball into his early 50’s. He also made a hole in one at Edgewater Golf Course in Grafton.

Survivors include his wife Rita; four children and their spouses, Patrick(Debra) Goepel, Florida, Richard Jr.(Deborah) Goepel, Milwaukee, Daniel Goepel, Milwaukee, Christine(Kirk) Udovich, Colorado; Six grandchildren; Anthony and Paul Goepel, RJ and Danielle Goepel, CeAnn and Kylee Udovich; Rita’s sister Alice Clark; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step father Francis Griebel; one sister Katherine; his sister-in-law Ellen McGarty; brothers-in-law James McGarty and Richard Clark.

Visitation is at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield on Tuesday, April 4th, 2017 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Prayer Service at 7:15 PM. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick Parish, 401 Mansion Street, Mauston, WI 53948 on Wednesday, April 5th, 2017 at 1130 AM. Burial to follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to donate to Parkinson’s research.

We have been loved dearly by a husband, father, and grandfather whose kindness, good nature, and gentle strength were given freely to all who knew him. We will miss you always!!!