Albert J. Koeppel

Albert ‘Al’ John Koeppel, 67, of Wittenberg, died on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, after surviving the devastating effects of both pancreatic cancer and its treatments for two years and three months. He faced each setback with incredible strength and courage.

Al was born on Nov. 8, 1953, in Green Bay, to Austin and Alice (Zegers) Koeppel. Al grew up with two sisters and four brothers in Seymour.

On July 6, 1985, Al and Mary Beth Frasch were married at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Tigerton. Together they raised three children, Lindsay, Beth and Michael. Above all else, Al valued his faith, his family and his work.

Al’s faith continued to grow and deepen throughout his life. He taught religious education classes and attended many Koinonia retreats. He openly shared his faith, encouraging others to seek their own, this included his own children, his coworkers in the woods, in the log yard or in his pick-up.

Al worked ‘in the woods’ in one capacity or other for over 40 years, logging, fighting forest fires, procuring timber, managing woodlands and educating. The majority of his career was spent at Kretz Lumber Co. in Antigo, which he viewed as a family.

Al immensely enjoyed being outdoors whether working or hunting. He would enthusiastically share stories about either.

He was an admired mentor, leader and teacher, qualities that earned him a spot on the Wisconsin Forestry Hall of Fame in 2019 and the Outstanding Alumnus Award CNR-UWSP in 2020 but mainly in the hearts of those he worked with.

Al is survived by his wife, Mary, of 35 years; his daughter Lindsay (Ben) Konrad and grandson, Alton and a granddaughter due in August; his daughter Beth Koeppel and son, Michael Koeppel; siblings, Kathleen (Dennis) Wieck, Darlene Koeppel, John (Norene) Koeppel,

Greg (Sue) Koeppel, Tony (Brenda) Koeppel and Pete (Holly) Koeppel, and many beloved nieces and nephews, other relatives, friends and coworkers.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Alice Koeppel.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 24, 2021, at Holy Family St. William Catholic Church, Wittenberg. Fr. Matthew Settle presided. Burial will be in Holy Family Catholic Cemetery, Wittenberg. Visitation 5-8 p.m. Sunday at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home in Wittenberg and again on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church.

The Koeppel family would like to thank all the staff at the Aspirus Cancer Center and the Aspirus Wausau Hospital for the compassionate and loving care given to Al and his family.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in Al’s name.