Raymond John Koepf's Obituary
Raymond Koepf Obituary
Raymond John Koepf, 88, of Elyria, a prolific and award winning artist, died February 14, 2023 in his home. He was born March 20, 1934 in Painesville, OH to parents, John Christian and Lydia (nee Ranttala) Koepf. He and his sister, Nancy Caroline where both raised in Painesville where Ray graduated Painesville Harvey High School, 1952. Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served 4 years as an air traffic controller at Tokyo International Airport. In 1953, Ray married Dora Mae Stevens and upon discharge from the Air Force, he attended Ashland College where he played football and baseball. In 1991, he graduated LCCC with an associate’s degree. Ray continued his education at Cleveland Institute of Art, graduating 1993 with his bachelor of art degree from Cleveland State University. In 1958, Ray was one of the FAA’s first air traffic controllers in the Cleveland/Oberlin area. Following his retirement in 1975 from the FAA, Ray was then employed at Worthington Ball and LCCC where he retired. He married his current wife Sharon Linden in 1994. They enjoyed long distance running, bicycling and in 1988 completed a coast to coast bicycle trip. Ray enjoyed all sports and exercised at LCCC’s Fitness and Wellness Center. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Nancy Scott; first wife, Dora Mae “Dody”; infant son and daughter; and a daughter, Cindy Allen in 2022. Ray is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sharon; son, Kurt (Jackie) Koepf of Wichita, KS; daughter, Kelly (Eric) Kulp of Elyria; step-children, Terri (Barry) Pleska of Elyria, John (Kim) Linden of Elyria, Eric (Pamilyn) Linden of LaGrange and Matt Linden of Grafton; ten grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and nieces and nephews. Friends will be received Saturday, February 18, 2023 from 2:00 pm until the time of a 4:00 pm Celebration of Life service at Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 323 Middle Avenue, Elyria with Reverend Kathryn Ketchum officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110. There are no gallery images. Visitation Saturday, February 18, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Dicken Funeral Home and Cremation Service 323 Middle Ave.Elyria, OH 44035 Celebration of Life Saturday, February 18, 2023 4:00 PM Dicken Funeral Home and Cremation Service 323 Middle Ave.Elyria, OH 44035
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