Harriet Koepke

Hastings resident, Harriet J. Koepke, 95, passed away Thursday, April 14, 2011 at Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare, Hastings, Nebraska.

Services will be Monday, April 18, 2011; 10:30 A.M. at Peace Lutheran Church, Hastings with Rev. Marcus J. Mackay officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska. Visitation will be Sunday, April 17, 2011; 5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M., with family present at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church. Memorials and condolences may be given to Peace Lutheran Church, 906 N. California Avenue, Hastings, Nebraska 68901.

Harriet was born March 12, 1916 in Hastings, Nebraska to Harry W. & Atha H. (Adams) Borley. She graduated from Hastings High School and then attended Hastings College. On June 19, 1938 she married Howard M. Koepke; he preceded her in death on August 27, 1997. She was a homemaker. Harriet was a long-time member in good standing of Peace Lutheran Church (Mo. Synod) in Hastings, NE. Along with her husband Howard, they were instrumental in the formation of a couples group, first called Samaritan League and later becoming Fellowship League (which included singles from the church). Many of these couples also met regularly for a Dinner Bridge Club. Harriet was also a faithful member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, originally serving in Sertoma - an afternoon society. She served as Secretary of the LWML and was a dependable servant of her Lord, bringing excellence to all her endeavors. She also enjoyed participating in the Sewing & Quilting Guild through which many blankets, quilts and layettes were distributed to those in need, both here at home and around the world. The love of Christ her Lord dwelled in her richly, a faith and assurance that she was always glad to share, especially in her service on the Calling Committee, but also to friends, family and the community of Hastings. Harriet volunteered at Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare for many years and loved to play bridge, pitch, and any card game with adults and her grandchildren. She enjoyed the many lifelong friendships she made from her card clubs.

Harriet was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howard M. Koepke; son, Keith Koepke; sisters, Janice (infant), Helen Fenner, Beth Hein, and Joan Royer; and brothers, Harry Borley and Wallace Borley.

Survivors include:
Son & Daughters-in-law: Alan & Patty Koepke - Walnut Creek, CA
Rosalind Koepke - Rancho Bernardo, CA
Daughter & Son-in-law: Kay & Dana Cole - Lincoln, NE
Grandchildren: Mindy Cole
Krista (Koepke) Ford
Alison (Koepke) Loper
Katie Cole
Michael Koepke
Great-Grandchildren: Taylor Ford
Kellan Ford
Jack Loper
Quinn Loper
Keller (Cole) Lindberg
Sisters-in-law: Maxine Borley - Hastings, NE
Frieda Borley - CA
Nieces & Nephews and Cousins , including John Baker, David Stewart, and Susan Mussman
Numerous other relatives and friends