Robert Paul Koepel passed away at the age of 81 on Monday, April 27th, 2020, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Bob was the cherished husband of the late Virginia/Ginny Koepel and devoted father of Louis (Cory), Ann (Garrett) Glynn, and Karen (Rick) Moran. He was the very proud Papa of Andrew (and daughter Nikki) and Robert Koepel, Grace and Daniel Glynn and Joseph and Annabelle Moran. He was the loving brother of the late Edward (Annette) Koepel, the late Louis D. Koepel, the late Naomi C. Kolb and Mary (Gerry) Heide and brother-in-law of James (Janet) Joyce. He was preceded in death by his parents Helen C. and Louis G. Koepel. Bob was a beloved uncle, cousin and friend to many. Bob was born in the small town of Hubbell in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Growing up he played basketball, fished and hunted with his Dad, helped run the Teen Center at Lake Linden-Hubbell High and worked at the Arcadian Copper Mine. He joined the Navy in 1961 and spent nearlyfour years stationed at China Lake in the Mojave Desert. He moved to Chicago in 1967 and met his bride at Fridan Typewriters, where they both worked. Bob and Ginny married in 1970 and purchased a home in Chicago Ridge where they raised their three children. Bob was a computer programmer and teacher for over 31 years, working for companies like MAI/Basic Four, Stuart-Hooper and Harry Rhodes. He joined the world of clowning in the 1970’s as “Sir Gibbs.†He went on to become the President of the Niarome Clown Troupe and The Clown Guild of Metropolitan Chicago and published a monthly newsletter for both. Bob was active in his community and church. Up until his passing, he served as a Director on the board of the South Division Credit Union and was the head of the Communion Ministers at Our Lady of the Ridge Church. After his beloved wife Ginny passed away, he volunteered at Memorial School where she taught, reading with students as part of the Junior Great Books club. Bob loved reconnecting with the alumni from his high school and he organized many class reunions and luncheons during his annual trips to the Upper Peninsula every 4th of July week. He also collected news from all his classmates and shared a semi-annual newsletter to keep everyone updated. Bob loved to share a taste of home by bringing home special foods from the U.P. including pasties and Gino’s spaghetti sauce. Bob always had a smile to share and a warm greeting for all he met. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and was affectionately known as “Papa Bob.†He was a friend to so many and will be dearly missed. ​