Pauline Koepnick

When reflecting on the overflowing life of Pauline Koepnick, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She was always willing to go above and beyond to serve those around her, and she was a shining example of kindness and generosity. Nothing brought Pauline more joy than spending time with her loved ones, no matter how simple the moments. Her caring heart allowed her to touch the lives of countless others. Deeply missed, Pauline will be forever loved and cherished by those who knew her best.

The 1920s were exciting years to be living in the United States. The “Roaring 20s,” as the decade is known, ushered in great economic and social change. Motion pictures became widely available in both color and sound, and ballroom dancing and jazz music became wildly popular as well. It was during this influential time that R.J. Stratton and Nora (Farnsworth) Gallagher of Detroit, Michigan, were eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child. It was on October 5, 1926, that Pauline Wanda made her entrance into the world.

Throughout her childhood, Pauline was a typical girl of her generation in many ways. Her father, R.J., worked as a baker for Kroger, and her mother, Nora, was a homemaker. The family suffered a devastating blow with the loss of Nora when Pauline was young. After Nora passed away and the Great Depression struck, Pauline was sent to live with her aunt and uncle on their farm in Ontario, Canada, while her father looked for stable work. She loved spending time with the animals and being outside. While there, she attended a one-room schoolhouse. The farm was the backdrop for many of her fondest memories.

After a few years, R.J. was able to find work and could bring Pauline home. He married a woman named Mildred Robinson, and the family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Pauline became a half sister to Patrick, Kathleen, and Jack. Growing up, Pauline enjoyed sewing, knitting, and quilting. She was a social butterfly, and she loved to have parties and entertain her friends. Pauline attended local schools, including Burton Elementary and Middle Schools and South High School. After graduating, she left home at the age of seventeen to strike out on her own.

Exciting changes were on the horizon for Pauline as she met the young man who would soon become the love of her life. His name was Paul Koepnick, and the two were first introduced at Redeemer Lutheran Church. They quickly learned they had attended the same high school, which gave them something to bond over. At the time, Paul was studying engineering at the University of Michigan, and he would ride his Harley-Davidson from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids in order to visit Pauline. It didn’t take the two long to realize that they were made for each other. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Pauline and Paul were married on December 21, 1948, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, where they had met. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon at the Palmer House in Chicago.

Of all the things Pauline loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. Over the years, she and Paul were so happy to bring their three sons, Kurt, Mark and Paul, into the world. Pauline thrived in her role as a mother, and she worked tirelessly to raise her sons while balancing her family with her career as a secretary at Covell Elementary School. She and her family were dealt another loss when Mark passed away at the age of 18. Later in life, however, Pauline was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and doted on them whenever she could. Pauline always considered herself blessed to watch her family grow to include so many loved ones.

Pauline was an active member in her community and her church family. She was involved in the PTA at Shawmut Hills School, and she was also a member of both the Lincoln Country Club and the Gracewill Country Club. Pauline and her family were longtime members of Mount Olive Lutheran Church, which they started attending when the church was still small enough to meet in a house. She was honored to be a part of the Mount Olive Lutheran Church women’s guild. Pauline also built a fulfilling career for herself at Covell Elementary School, pouring over 25 years of service into her community.

Never one to sit still for long, Pauline pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She was an avid reader of mystery novels, magazines, and culinary books. Pauline enjoyed classical music and listening to the symphony. She loved cooking, baking, and canning at home. Brann’s Steakhouse was her favorite restaurant. Pauline enjoyed traveling, and over the years, she was able to visit Mammoth Cave National Park and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. She took a memorable train trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico with family, and she also liked tent camping in various Michigan parks, including Silver Lake and Interlochen. During her retirement, Pauline and Paul loved taking trips to Europe and trips down South to play golf. She took great pride in her china, tea cups, and the family heirlooms that have been passed down for generations.

As family and friends can certainly agree, Pauline truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and she poured her heart and soul into everything she did. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Pauline was a friend to many and beloved by all. Her primary focus in life was forming deep and personal relationships with those around her. Though she will be dearly missed, Pauline leaves behind a priceless legacy of loyalty and service that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Pauline W. Gallagher Koepnick of Grand Rapids, Michigan, age 97, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, September 6, 2024. She is now reunited with her husband of 72 years, Paul J. and together they will celebrate their son Mark’s heavenly birthday. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 5th, 1926 to the late R.J. Stratton and Nora Gallagher. Pauline is the loving mother of Kurt (Judi) and Paul Koepnick and the cherished grandmother of Michael (Cory) Koepnick and Katie (Christopher) Morrow as well as the loving great-grandmother to Ella, Eden, Rose, Nora and Claire. She was a devoted mother and wife while working full time as a school secretary at Covell Elementary School for over 25 years. She and Paul were charter members of Mount Olive Lutheran Church. She was a lifelong avid card player, (Bridge, Euchre, SetBack) and belonged to many Bridge Clubs. Pauline enjoyed playing golf, reading books, gardening, baking, taking care of her beloved cats, and spending time with family around the pool. She was a huge football fan; especially her U of M Wolverines and the Detroit Lions. Pauline was hardworking, competitive, determined, loyal and proud of her Irish heritage. If you stopped by on a Saturday morning, she would be ready with coffee, donuts and homemade cookies. She took pride in preparing Sunday dinners, and her Thanksgivings were truly a feast! She will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed. Her Lord said to her, “well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23. Per Pauline’s wishes, a private family “Celebration of Life” event will be planned at a later date. Pauline will be laid to rest next to husband Paul and her son Mark in Rosedale Memorial Park. For those who wish, you may honor Pauline by making a donation to a charity of your choice in her memory. To read more about Pauline, to share a memory or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com