In Memory

Miss Bernice Koepp (English)

Miss Bernice Koepp (English)

KOEPP, Miss Bernice - English

b. 04/20/1926 Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI

d. 02/02/2019 Milwaukee Co., WI

 

Koepp, Bernice Georgia Ann

Passed away peacefully on February 2, 2019 at the age of 92. She was born in Milwaukee on April 20, 1926 to Eleanora (Schork) Koepp and George A. Koepp, who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her sister, Carol (Koepp) Ihlenfeld, and brother-in-law, Edward W. Ihlenfeld. Bernice is survived by her nieces Christy (Bill) Breihan and Gayle Ihlenfeld (Jeanette Paulson), and nephew Scott Ihlenfeld (Diane Yokes), and great-nieces Leah Ihlenfeld, Ava (Danny) Holdmann, Srivalli Paulson Ihlenfeld, and Sitara Ihlenfeld Paulson, and great-nephews Adam, Aaron, and Teddy Breihan, and two great-great-nieces, as well as cousins and friends.

Bernice taught in Milwaukee Public Schools for 40 years, at Roosevelt, North Division, and for most of her career at Custer High School. She especially supported her schools' basketball teams, even buying Bucks tickets for their players. She loved her cats (Mischief and Cooney), roses and tropical flowers, and butterflies. Bernice played piano, read many books about history and travel, and knew U.S. highway maps by heart, having spent many vacations driving her car across the country (especially to Florida), and stopping at all the historical sites. Bernice devoted herself to caring for her family.

During her last days, her happiest moments came when she looked up and saw her loved ones gathered around her. Visitation at the Funeral Home on Friday, February 8, 2019 from 4 PM until the time of Funeral Service at 7 PM. Private burial at Wauwatosa Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Wisconsin Humane Society are appreciated.

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Published in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Feb. 6, 2019



 
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02/11/19 09:51 AM #1    

Gunars Tabaks

Miss Koepp was my English teacher during my sophomore year.

Although some thought Miss Koepp was overly strict, I admired her strength and, courage, coupled with fearless tenacity, she didn't take “crap” from anyone, or back down when dispensing discipline. Even when confronted by “tough guys”, invariably leaving them smarting and not looking so tough. I had the pleasure of actually seeing Miss Koepp in action against one of those guys. He did something unacceptable and Miss Koepp called him on it. He gave his best trying to intimidate her, but she stared him down unflinching. He  caved, and with his tail between his legs, no longer looking tough, he disappeared down the hall. 

Her assignments were, at times, quite challenging, but, I learned so much from her, precisely because of the challenges. And her “dry wit” sense of humor, which not many could appreciate, I absolutely loved, and would thoroughly enjoy hearing it once again. But I have only myself to blame for not keeping in touch with her during all of the years since graduating, for which I am truly sorry, because I would have loved being  able to tell her in person, just how grateful I am to her for infliuence in shaping my life. And I would have had the chance to share with her, the Great News ever of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ!

Miss Koepp, I’m sorry that I was remiss in keeping in touch with you, but I assure you that you will never be forgotten!  I pray that you did have a chance to meet Jesus Christ and accept His message of hope and love, but most importantly, His Salvation I hope one day to see you dancing with Jesus, rejoicing because He has provided you with an eternal home in heaven!

Thank you, Miss Koepp, for being a great teacher and mentor. By caring for and about your students and their future, you changed lives for the good.Your passing leaves a massive void that will be extremely difficult, if not impossible to fill! You were definitively and definitely, “one of a kind!” Rest In Peace, Miss Koepp! 

Your student forever, Gunars Tabaks 

 

 


02/11/19 08:28 PM #2    

Sandra L. Johnson

Miss Koepp was indeed tough on all of her students.  As hard as I tried to do well in my classes, I never felt good when I saw a "C" on my paper, from Miss Koepp.  She drove me to always do better.  Oddly, she has been on my mind a lot lately.  Maybe she was trying to tell me something.  I learned so much from her.  For that I will always be thankful.  Rest in peace, Miss Koepp.


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