James Koepke

James "Jim" Koepke, 64, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in Milbank.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD. Pastor Chris Davis will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Inurnment will be at Milbank City Cemetery. 

The service will be livestreamed and recorded and will be viewable at the bottom of this page.

James “Jim” Alton Koepke was born on January 21, 1962, in Milbank, SD, to Darlowe and Wanda (Hanson) Koepke. He was baptized and confirmed at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank. Jim attended school in Milbank, graduating with the Class of 1980.

In his younger years, Jim was an active member of the 4-H program, where he showed Shorthorn cattle alongside his brothers. Following high school, he milked cows for Harlan and Mary Bohn and attended Mitchell Technical College, studying agriculture. After completing his education, he returned to the Koepke family farm. On Valentine’s Day in 1995, he was united in marriage with Karen Radermacher.

Farming was Jim’s passion, and he took great joy in raising Angus cattle on his own and grain farming both with Todd Lounsbery and independently. A hard worker, he also dedicated 28 years to the night shift at United Hardware.

Jim especially enjoyed time spent with family and friends, including “Friday night brat nights” and a “cold one” at the shop with Jacque and Claire Frazee. He also enjoyed afternoon coffee visits with the Mortons. He looked forward to the annual Black Hills hunting trip with Scott Pinkert and Terry Meister, where he acquired his nickname, “Bogus Jim”. For many years, Jim took pride in hosting Fourth of July barbecues at the farm. He was known as a kind, soft-hearted, simple man of few words, and he will be missed by many. Most of all, Jim cherished the quiet and peaceful nature of farm life.

He is survived by his mother, Wanda Koepke of Milbank, SD; special friend, Doree Rylander of Milbank, SD; brothers: Dylan Koepke of Highmore, SD; Gerald “Jer” Koepke of Stockholm, SD; and Garold “Lars” Koepke of Stockholm, SD; sisters-in-law: Deb (Cletus) Frank of Willmar, MN; Mary (Steve) Winther of Ortonville, MN; Brenda Schmieg of Big Stone City, SD; Jenny (Scott) Pinkert of Milbank, SD; Pam (Todd) Lounsbery of Revillo, SD; Kim (Randy) Eisenschenk of Milbank, SD; and Malea Radermacher of Willmar, MN; brothers-in-law: Allen (Linda) Radermacher of Franklin, MN; Jeff (Barb) Radermacher of Bird Island, MN; Bill (Becki) Radermacher of Franklin, MN; Tim (Janice) Radermacher of Hector, MN; Greg (Kay) Radermacher of Fairfax, MN; and Jim (Jennifer) Radermacher of Willmar, MN; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Darlowe Koepke; beloved wife, Karen (Radermacher) Koepke; brothers: Wayne Koepke; and Greg “Jr.” Koepke; nephews: Tyler (Miranda) Koepke; and Zach Radermacher; parents-in-law: James and Marlys Radermacher; and brother-in-law, Randy Schmieg.

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