Jerome Koep

July 25, 1940 - November 13, 2020

The private graveside service for Jerome Koep of Ham Lake and formerly of Clitheral, was held  on Monday, November 16, 2020 at the Oak Valley Cemetery with Pastor Megan Clapp presiding. Jerome Leo Koep was born to Leo and Gladys (Hagen) Koep on July 25, 1940, in Nidaros Township, Ottertail County, MN.  He completed high school and later entered the US Army from January 1959 until his honorable discharge in March 1962. Jerry was united in marriage with Pearl Grace Woodard on June 18, 1962 in Henning, MN.  He was employed on a generator manufacturing crew with Onan, now Cummins, Inc.  Jerry’s interests included fishing, camping, and traveling, along with being an armchair coach for basketball and football events.  He was a member of the Civil Defense.   Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Gladys; daughters Paula Kay and Mary Ann Koep; and brothers Duane, Kenneth, Carter Koep, and sister Rachel Gulbranson. Jerome, age 80, passed away with family at his side on Friday, November 13, 2020, at Mercy Hospital, Coon Rapids, MN. He is survived by his wife Pearl of Ham Lake; children Steven Koep, Robert Koep, Peggy Smith and Kathy Koep; 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; siblings Mike Koep, Jeanette Schultz and Carol Grotheer; along with many nephews and nieces.   Serving as pallbearers wwre Justin Koep, Dalton Hovdestad, Dallas Hovdestad, Melissa Potvin, Miranda Hovdestad, Samantha Smith, McKenzie Baxter and Ashly Koep.   Military honors provided by the Elmer Goche Post 3922, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wadena, Minnesota.