Richard L. Koeppen, 83, of Valparaiso passed away Tuesday, August 2, 2022. He was born June 27, 1939 in Valparaiso to Raymond A.C. & Gleda (Moore) Koeppen, graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1958, and received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue North Central along with AAS degrees in Industrial Engineering, and Supervision. Rich made his career with Boeing Aerospace in Tulsa, OK and Huntsville, AL. In recent years Rich has been a fixture at Morgan Blvd. and Erie Street as the school crossing guard because he was never content to “just sit at home”. He was quite proud of this Valpo Police Dept. affiliation and chose to complete the Valparaiso Citizen Police Academy in 2008 to enhance his credentials. Always keenly aware of his social and civic responsibilities, Rich chose to donate over 14 gallons of blood to the Red Cross and received an Award of Merit from Joy Mfg. in Michigan City for implementing cost savings measures that topped $1 million. Faithful membership at Heritage Lutheran Church, various professional societies and the American Legion kept him grounded in service. Rich’s humble nature, sense of community history, and “in the know” contacts always made for interesting conversation, which is what he seemed to relish the most.
Survivors include his son, Christopher E. Koeppen (Teresa), stepdaughters; Shelley Hickman & Lori Heffner, grandchildren; Nick, Ben, Ryan, & Isaiah Koeppen, Emma Heffner; siblings; Sharon Sherman, Janet Roempagel, Chuck Koeppen (Cathie), Donna Smoker & Brad Koeppen (Deb), and special friend, Janet Byrd. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister, Linda Carol Koeppen, and his former wife, Carolyn Jean Vass.
A celebration of life gathering will be held Saturday, August 27th, from 11 am to 1 pm at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso.

So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed many chats with Rich while working at the Valparaiso Police Department. Such a wonderful person! May all your memories bring you peace.  -Yvonne Condo 

I’m very sorry to hear this, he was a very good friend. There is going to be a lot people that will miss him because he was always doing something for someone else trying to help out. God Bless you Rich , I will miss your friendship.  -Paul Soliday 

My prayers go out to the Koeppen family ! I am younger than Dick in Chuck's VHS class of 64. I do remember Dick having spotless cars as a youngster riding bikes around valpo. My life has been blessed to know Brad Koeppen both privately and professionally! Reading through the wonderful things Dick gave to his community makes me wish I knew him more than a brother to my classmate! I know he will be missed by you all and certainly all of Valparaiso.  Sincerely  -Ray Hewlett

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