Keith Koeppe

Keith Koeppe, a longtime Wenatchee Valley resident, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 25, 2021. He was born in Norfolk, Nebraska to Louis and Florence Koeppe. The family moved to Yakima in 1941. Keith graduated from Yakima High School in 1952. Following high school, he served for two years in the U.S. Army. Returning to Washington state, he completed his bachelor’s and then began his master’s in psychology at Central Washington University before beginning a long career with the Washington State Employment Security Department that would last until his retirement in 1993.

He was an enthusiastic and inquisitive traveler. He visited all 50 states, and a vast majority of the Canadian provinces, many on extended RV trips. These visits frequently ended up with a behind-the-scenes tour of a wide variety of venues as a result of his outgoing and curious personality. As a celebration of his love of travel and his love of family, he created memories with his four oldest grandsons, taking them on trips that ranged from sailing and white river rafting to archaeology digs and gliders.

An avid skier, he was an instructor at both Mission Ridge and White Pass ski areas for decades, introducing generations of skiers to the joys of fresh powder and first tracks.

He enjoyed live theater and was a season ticket holder at 5th Avenue and ACT Theaters in Seattle for many, many years up until theaters closed due to the pandemic in 2020.

After he suffered a serious stroke in September of 2013, many of his activities were limited. Not to be deterred, his tenacity and stubbornness were on display when he decided that he was going to sleep in his own bed upstairs despite the fact that he was unable to stand, much less walk. Working together, he and Marge figured out a way to get him up and down stairs at the house in Wenatchee.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years Marge Koeppe; his daughters Pam (Dale) Bunger and Karen Poffenroth; stepdaughter Kate West; stepson Rob (Heather) West; grandchildren Chris Bunger, Sayer (Kylie) Torkkola, Kier (Katie) Torkkola, Ian Poffenroth, Willie West, Sam West and Renee West and great-grandsons Luka, Owen, Dax, and Travis. Honorary family members include Jim and Colleen Crawford and their children Jimi (Melissa), Chandra and Kyle and grandson Peyton.

A memorial service will be held Saturday June 12, 2021, at 1 p.m. at Old Pioneer Church in Quincy, Washington.

Please express your thoughts and memories at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories of Moses Lake, Washington.