Bethel Koeppen

Obituary

Bethel Antoinette Koeppen was born on April 15, 1920, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Dr. William W. and Martha (Korista) Klima. Beth was baptized as an infant on August 22, 1920, by Rev. Edmund Wrbitzky, at the Congregational Church in Silver Lake, Minnesota, and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth.  She received her education in Stewart, and was the Valedictorian of her 1937, graduating class at Stewart High School.  Beth went on to further her education and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics/Home Economy at the University of Minnesota and graduated with Magna Cum Laude Honors in 1941. 

On August 22, 1942, Beth was united in marriage to Harry Thomas “Tom” Koeppen at Beth’s home in Stewart, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with four children, Thomas, Kathleen, Richard, and Anne. Beth and Thomas resided in Minneapolis, Stewart, and Glencoe before settling in Hutchinson in October, 1948, where they raised their family.  They shared 56 years of marriage until Thomas passed away on December 21, 1998. 

Beth worked as a private secretary for a Minneapolis Research Engineer from 1942-1946.  She then became a homemaker and stayed home to raise their children.  Beth was a Cub Scout Den mother, Past President of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #96, held the Chapeau Deuxieme office of the 8 & 40 American Legion Women’s Organization, and driver scheduler for Meals on Wheels.  She was also a longtime member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Hutchinson and served as Diaconate, President of the Women’s Fellowship, and Chairman of Women’s Circle for many years.  Beth also volunteered with many city fundraisers and enjoyed being an active member for many years at the Crow River Country Club.   

Beth had many hobbies that she enjoyed, such as gardening, bird watching, braiding wool rugs, making candy, writing letters, sending cards, and golfing.  She loved spending time at the cabin on Little Boy Lake near Longville, Minnesota.   Beth especially cherished her time with family, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends.

Beth passed away peacefully with family at her side on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at her home in Hutchinson, at the age of 97 years.  She will be dearly missed by many.  Blessed be her memory.

Beth is survived by her:
Children, Tom Koeppen and his wife, Sandra of Chaska, MN,
               Kathy Boehmer of Hutchinson, MN,
               Rich Koeppen and his wife, Dorolyn of Hutchinson, MN,
               Anne Portele and her husband, Gerald of Issaquah, WA;
Grandchildren, Matthew Koeppen and his wife, Lisa of Chanhassen, MN,
                        Sarah Koeppen of Bloomington, MN,
                        Kerry (Boehmer) Ognenoff and her husband, Andrew of Milwaukee, WI,
                        Michael Boehmer and his wife, Christina of Evergreen, CO,
                        Julie (Boehmer) VanGrol and her husband, Cooper of Minneapolis, MN,
                        Rachel Portele of Glendale, CA,
                        Kayla Blom of Paradise, CA;
Great-Grand Children, Harry, Olivia, William, Anna, Henry, Benjamin;
Nieces, Nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

Beth is preceded in death by her: Parents, Dr. William W. Klima and Martha Klima; Husband, Harry Thomas Koeppen; Father and Mother In-Law, Harry P.A. Koeppen and Irene C. Koeppen;  Sister, Laurel Ann Morton; Brother In-Law, Howard J. Morton; Nephews, Craig Morton, Mark Morton and Brent Morton.