Beverly M. Schoepke, age 82, a 50-year resident of the Irma area, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021 at Tomahawk Health Services under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care Hospice. She was born Sept. 21, 1938 in Rhinelander to the late Claude and Elsie (Yankee) Hurlbutt. Bev grew up in Rhinelander and was a 1957 Graduate of Rhinelander High School. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Bill Schoepke, on Aug. 15, 1957 in Michigan; he survives.
Bev and Bill farmed for many years and also owned and operated Schoepke Lumber in Irma. In addition, Bev had worked in Tomahawk as the Manager of Merit Enterprises for several years.
She was a member of Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tomahawk for many years. She was member of Northwoods Cruisers in Tomahawk, and “My Ladies Club.” Bev was an Election Official for the Town of Skanawan for close to 30 years. She enjoyed canning, scrapbooking, putting puzzles together, knitting, crocheting, working in the family sawmill, painting pictures, taking pictures along with her passion for photography.
Bev loved going on day trips with her kids to Door County and Bayfield. She also enjoyed going on train trips throughout the United States with Bill and the rest of her family. She cherished and loved every gathering she was able to share with her family along with pictures taken by her camera which was always nearby. Bev was completely devoted to her husband of 63 years, Bill, who was her high school sweetheart, love of her life, and her soulmate.
Survivors include, her husband, William “Bill” Schoepke; her sons, Randy Schoepke, Jim (Tom Backen) Schoepke, and Jerry Schoepke; her daughters, Barbara (Danny) Stevenson, Debbie (Brian) Gano, and Loriann “Peanut” (Ray) Brietzke; two brothers, Claude Hurlbutt, Jr. and Gary Hurlbutt; ten grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one on the way. Bev is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Bob Hurlbutt, and Lorna.
A Private Family Funeral Service for Beverly Schoepke will be held at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tomahawk. Burial will take place at a later date at Northland Memorial Park in Rhinelander. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory, Tomahawk, is assisting the family. You may view Bev’s full obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.