Lori Ann Koep

Lori Ann Koep was born August 16, 1962 to Erv & Delores (Rau) Paasch. She was born in Alexandria, and raised as a child on a small farm by Mount Carmel. When Lori was in elementary school her family moved to town, near Perry’s Furniture. She was the youngest of three children. As the youngest child, with two older brothers, you can imagine Lori was cared for, and of course picked on. She was the apple of her Daddy’s eye. She always talked about her dad taking her school shopping for clothes. Lori learned hard work ethic from her parents and had a few jobs during her high school years including: babysitting, waitressing at Osterberg’s Café, working at Dairy Queen and Holiday Foods. She met her high school sweetheart on Valentine’s Day in 1976. To this day, Harold still remembers the outfit she was wearing: a pink turtleneck and flowered cardigan. She and Harold spent their high school days, taking lots of car rides, near and far, and spending time with family. They also picnicked and canoed in Park Rapids, celebrated lots of family occasions, and visited family. Harold and Lori were married August 9, 1980. They were surrounded by family and friends, and to this day are close with many. Lori and Harold purchased Weatherwax DX Gas Station (known now as Koep’s Korner) in 1981 and she worked in the family business for 24 years, in many roles. She was the main bookkeeper, office manager, and even sold cars later when they transitioned their business. She was Harold’s partner in business and life. Her greatest work though, was done raising their three children. Lori took pride in making her home a comfortable, tidy, and well-decorated place to share with family and friends. She loved cooking and insisted on having evening meals together. Lori spent lots of time with her children, laughing, playing, fishing off the dock, and helping her children discover and develop their interests and passions. She spent countless hours as chauffer to piano lessons, sports, and trips to Fleet Farm & Alex Power Equipment to buy toy tractors. She loved her kids and took pride in supporting them in whatever they wanted to do. Lori cared for her family with much gusto and a big, big love. Some of the attributes we all will remember are her: generosity, selflessness and care for others. She modeled these attributes in day to day life, as well as times where she cared for her brothers, mom, family, and even a family friend in his final days with cancer. For the last 11 years, Lori ran her boutique, Lori Ann’s. She enjoyed visiting with all of her customers, and many of them became dear friends, of course. Lori treasured her friends like they were family. She shared many cups of coffee, laughs, shopping trips to JCPenney, and meals with them. Everyone loved her cooking and had special requests for her glorified rice, potato salad, chicken salad, scalloped potatoes, and baked treats. Lori died, in her home, with Hospice of Douglas County, surrounded by her family and dear friend Mary Kay, on February 2, 2016. She was preceded in death by her dad, Erwin Paasch, her daughter Karina, niece Krystal Koep, sister-in law Rita Paasch, aunt Lucille Dahlen, and dear friend Beth Meyer. Those surviving are her husband, Harold; children Kayla, Kalan, and Kendon; mother Delores Paasch; brothers Duane and Alan Paasch; countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday February 6, 2016 at 1PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria. A visitation will be held from 4-7PM on Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with 4 PM Parish Prayers. Visitation will also take place on hour prior to the Mass at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in Geneva Cemetery. Click the link below to view Lori Koep's Service. http://portal.midweststreams.com/services/displayvideo/2013

Lori Ann Koep

August 16, 1962 - February 2, 2016