"Kevin & Melissa, and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you all."
In loving memory of
DEREK JOHN KOEPP
June 7, 1990 - December 19, 2015
Derek John "Doot" "DJ" Koepp, 25, of Marquette, died Saturday, December 19, 2015 at UP Health System Marquette.
He was born June 7, 1990 in Marquette, a son of Kevin and Melissa (Copley-Filizetti) Koepp. He graduated from MSHS with honors in 2008 and attended NMU earning Dean's List honors.
Derek was employed for 9 years as a tire technician at Pomps Tire in Marquette.
Derek had many loves including family, friends, the outdoors, The Green Bay Packers, woodworking, painting and his greatest love, music. Guitars, writing songs & making music played a large role in his life. His happiest times were spent with friends, sitting around playing music.
His family will remember him as a humble, artistic, "old soul" who loved his "Momma". His brothers were his best friends, his twin brother Andrew and his little brother Tyler, whom always thought of him as his hero.
Derek was a very unselfish person who would help anyone and give them the shirt of his back. His final gift was being an organ donor and giving several families the greatest gift possible.
Derek's family would also like to thank the giving and compassionate staff of the ICU department at UP Health System Marquette. Especially, nurses Mike, Alyshya, Jason, Deanna and the many others that were on staff while he was there.
He is survived by his parents, Kevin and Melissa Koepp of Marquette; twin brother, Andrew Koepp (Alexis Taylor); brother, Tyler Koepp (Derrian Ferguson), both of Marquette; grandparents, Sonny & Sharon Koepp of Marquette and Bryan & Nancy Filizetti of Gwinn; great-grandfather, Geno Filizetti; aunts and uncles, Christine (Mike) Clark of Myrtle Beach, SC, Troy (Chasity) Koepp of Marquette and Richard (Angel Rosene) Copley; cousins, Marisa (Dave) Cappaert of Colorado, Hali & Taryn Koepp of Marquette, Bryan Copley of Madison, WI, Alicia & Tyler Northrop of Rudyard, MI and Ariel Clark of Negaunee; many other aunts, uncles, cousins along with his friends and Pomps Tire family. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William Copley and Mary K. Iery-Koepp; and great-grandparents, Richard & Cynthia Fagerberg, Emil & Ethel Koepp, Lawrence & Martha Copley, John & Alma Iery and Ruth Filizetti.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Redeemer Lutheran Church from 3 to 6 p.m. A Celebration of Derek's Life will be held at 6 p.m. in the church with Rev. Steven Hulke officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Room at the Inn Warming Center.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"My deepest condolences to Koepp family, may you find comfort in the words of Revelation 21:4 where God promises to wipe away our tears, pain, sickness and death. He also longs to reunite us with our dear loved ones again.(Acts 24:15) www.jw.org"
"I was saddened to hear of the loss of your son. Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Leann Gagnon The Mining Journal"
"Melissa, I was sorry to hear about your son's passing. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. With deepest sympathy, Charon Porter"
"Pat and I are so sorry for lose, you and all your family are in our thoughts and prayers, God Bless and may Derke RIP"
"Kevin, Melissa, Andrew, and Tyler, My deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you. I am honored to have been a small part of Derek's life as his teacher. May your friends and family help you through this difficult time. Mary Micklow"
"Dear Family, I just learned of Dereks passing this evening and I am heart-broken to learn that he is gone. Derek was always offering to help me with my groceries or lift heavy objects when he saw me carrying something. He was a kind and wonderful young man who always had a smile! I cannot begin to comprehend the unthinkable and immeasurable loss your family is feeling; he left you far too soon. I am so sorry and I hold you in my heart. Andrea Larsen"
"I am so sorry for your loss and the pain you are feeling. The image I have of Derek is the young boy smiling as he came to join his brother who was waiting in my classroom for school to let out. I am sending healing, postitive thoughts to help you through this difficult time. My love to your family."
"Mellisa, we were so sorry to hear of your sons death. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God grant you peace and comfort at this very sad time in your life."
"Oh Kevin and Melissa. So sorry to hear about the loss of your wonderful and talented son. Our family recently suffered the loss of a loved one way to young to be taken from us. There are no words to even say, except stay strong and lean on your family and have patience as people grieve in many different ways. Prayers and thoughts to your family in this most difficult time. (Just an old friend from Trobe.) Vicki (Hawes) Raatz. PEACE"
"I'm so deeply sorry! I hope you find peace soon. Melissa Cavill"
"Kevin, Melissa, Chris and family, I am so so sorry to hear of your loss. May the Lord hold you all tight in this very difficult time. Lori Nease"
"Our folks at Shiloh prayed for you tonight. We are so sorry for your loss. May God bless."
"Dereks positive outlook and compassion will never be forgotten. I couldnt have asked for better neighbors His family is in my prayers. "
"Kevin and Melissa you don't know me but I'm Pat Fohr's wife. He told me of your terrible loss. My brothers son died the same way. My heart goes out to you an your family. I will pray for you in the coming days that your pain subsides and becomes happy memories of Derek. My brother always tells me he's glad his son is at peace. He struggled for years and now he has no more struggles. Love , hug, and have patience with each other during this terrible tough time. You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days. Sincerely, Mary Fohr"
"Jim and I want to send our thoughts and prayers! We are deeply saddened to hear of Derek's passing. I still remember his precious 2nd grade smile from so many years ago! Pease know that we love you all! Jim and Mary Butorac"
"Dear Kevin, Melissa & Family, On behalf of the entire Armstrong Family, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies in the loss of Derek. We pray that God will envelop you in his loving arms and hold you close through this terrible time. Prayers for all of you. Ann & Jamie Armstrong and Family"
"Koepp Family, There are no words eloquent enough to express how deeply saddened we are for you all during this difficult time. Just know our hearts are heavy and we are deeply sorry for the loss of your wonderful son. Peace to you and your family. Jeff, Victoria, Benjamin, and Vica Brickey"
"Dear Kevin, Melissa and family. I am so sorry to hear about Derek. I don't know what I can say. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayer. Rosa Hoy"
"Our thoughts, and prayers our with your family and frends."
"Dear Kevin, Melissa and Family, We are so sorry for your loss of Derek. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family during this traumatic time. Love and hugs, Pam & Joe Hutchens"