Greg “Junior” Koepke

Greg “Junior” Koepke, age 59, of Brookings, SD, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2024, in Brookings, SD. 
 
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD. Pastor Chris Davis will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Inurnment will be at Milbank City Cemetery.

Gregory “Junior” Alan Koepke was born on December 31, 1964, to Darlowe and Wanda (Hanson) Koepke in Milbank, SD. He was baptized and confirmed at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank. With four older brothers, Greg grew up on the family farm outside of Milbank. For his oldest brother’s wedding, he was pressured into cutting his hair. From then on, he kept his hair long, and was proud of his ponytail. After graduating from Milbank High School with the Class of 1983, he moved to Watertown, but most recently was living in Brookings. 

As a welder most of his life, Greg worked various jobs including at Twin City Fan and Faultless Nutting. Despite struggling with chronic pain from severe injuries he received from a motorcycle accident in 1994, Greg was determined to continue working until he was no longer able.

There was nothing better than bringing home a pan of his mom’s bars, brownies, or cookies. Zucchini bread was also a favorite. Once, he brought his mom so much zucchini that they were able to bake enough bread together to fill the top shelf of his refrigerator. 

Always ready for a good time, he liked to attend concerts, cheer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, play Cribbage, and spend time with friends fishing. Junior had a heart of gold and loved to make people laugh with his quick wit and jokes. He enjoyed visiting and made friends easily. He loved to attend the Sturgis Rally and was happiest when he was riding his Harley. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish his memory is his mother, Wanda Koepke of Milbank, SD; four brothers: Dylan Koepke of Highmore, SD; James “Jim” Koepke of Milbank, SD; Gerald “Jer” Koepke of Milbank, SD; and Garold “Lars” Koepke of Milbank, SD; one niece; three nephews; aunts; uncles; and many cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Darlowe Koepke; brother, Wayne Koepke; nephew, Tyler (Miranda) Koepke; maternal grandparents: Alton and Bertha Hanson; and paternal grandparents: Roland and Evie Koepke.