Darin L. Koepke

HADAR -- Funeral service for Darin L. Koepke, 53, of Hadar will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Pierce. Officiating will be Rev. Jacob Tuma. Burial will be at Zion East Lutheran Cemetery, rural Hoskins. Visitation will be held 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk. Darin passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at the Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the family for a later designation. Stonacek Memorial Chapel in Pierce is in charge of the arrangements. Darin, a mentor to many and a friend to all, passed away October 21, 2021 at Bryan West Medical Center in Lincoln, NE surrounded by his “3 girls,” his loving wife and 2 beautiful daughters. Born on February 3, 1968 in Norfolk, NE to Larry and Diane (Koehler) Koepke, he was a farmer and sheep herder from beginning to the end. Darin was baptized on February 25, 1968 and confirmed May 30, 1982 at Zion East Lutheran Church in Hoskins, NE. He was a graduate of Pierce High School, class of 1986. He then attended Northeast Community College and graduated in 1988 where he was later inducted into the N.E.C.C. Hall of Success for his devotion to agriculture. He celebrated 33 years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Kelli Winder. They were married July 23, 1988. His world was magnified with the birth of his 2 daughters, Kayla and Krystina, and later his 4, soon-to-be 5 grandchildren. Darin actively served in his local church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Pierce. He was an elder and was instrumental on many committees, shepherding young men, and starting the first local live nativity scene at the church. Agriculture was Darin’s livelihood. He eventually landed his dream job at Agrex Inc. where he has worked for the past 22 years. He loved the industry and building genuine relationships with every person he came in contact with. He was wise beyond his education and many people of all ages sought his advice and benefitted from his counsel. He will be missed by many. Outside of his career, Darin loved his family; he adored his wife more than anything else. Darin was a faithful father and avid sports fan as he traveled the country never missing his daughters’ college track meets or volleyball games. He still believed he could outrun and outjump them. He loved Casey’s pizza date night with his wife and sneaking any sugared beverage to his grandchildren. He faithfully passed on his love for John Deere tractors to his grandsons. He will be remembered for his wildly entertaining stories, relentless competitive spirit, his unfailing work ethic, his generous smile, his big bear hugs, his willingness to come at any time to help a neighbor in need, and his devotion to do the right thing to the extent of the sacrifice of himself. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his wife Kelli Koepke of Hadar, daughter Kayla (Shea) Scalise of Omaha, NE, daughter Krystina (Maddie) Koepke of Lincoln, grandchildren Naomi, Celeste, Uriah, and Malachi Scalise, father Larry Koepke of Hoskins; brother Dennis (Jennifer) Koepke of Pierce, sister Dawn (Brett) Schroeder of West Point, in-law’s, and numerous extended family members. He joyfully reunited with his mother Diane Koepke, grandparents Lester (Irene) Koepke, Gilbert (Esther) Koehler, and 2 cousins Austin and Billy Joe, and Alan Winder. Darin will forever be remembered as a hero. John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this to lay down his life for his friends.” Casket bearers will be Tim Brabec, Dave Reynolds, Tyler Unseld, Hunter Fretz, Brady Nutzman, Erik Krotzinger, Eric Beard and Brian Flaata. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com

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Darin L. Koepke

February 3, 1968 - October 21, 2021