Roy W. Van Epern

Roy William Van Epern passed away at home, surrounded by his family on July 16, 2022 after a brief battle with cancer. Roy was born May 6, 1944 to the late Euphemia “Fay” (Meulemans) and William Van Epern in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. He was raised on the Van Epern dairy farm with four brothers and four sisters. Roy received his grade school (1st -8th grade) education at Holy Cross Catholic School and graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1962. Following high school, he joined the United States Army. He was stationed in West Germany and received an honorable discharge from military service in December of 1965. Roy met Sally Bork shortly thereafter and they immediately bonded over their shared love of sports and large families. Roy and Sally got married on August 24, 1968 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kaukauna. Roy enrolled at Control Data Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he received a degree in Computer Technology. After graduation, Roy and Sally moved to Sunnyvale, California where Roy worked as a computer technician with Control Data. While in Sunnyvale, they were blessed with the birth of their two daughters, Kristin and Dawn. After six years in California they returned to Wisconsin, settling on a small hobby farm near Iola. Roy accepted a position as a computer specialist with Krause Publication in Iola. Excited to be back in the farming and “country” life, Roy and Sally decided to have a third child and were blessed with the birth of their son, Luke. Roy enjoyed raising goats, chickens, pigs, cows, ducks, rabbits and growing vegetables in a huge garden all while working at Krause’s. Farming was a natural part of his life, and he enjoyed sharing this with his family. Roy spent 28 years with Krause Publications and retired in 2003. Once he retired, Roy became more active in the community. He served on the Town of Harrison board for 20 years, 17 as town chairman and three as town supervisor. He was a member of Northland Lutheran Church and was sexton of Northland Lutheran Church Cemetery for 15 years. Roy enjoyed scroll-sawing, making many intricate pieces for display. He also volunteered at Project Backpack of Waupaca County and for the Iola Old Car Show. He especially loved fishing with Sally at their cottage up north, gardening and was an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan. Roy will be remembered for his integrity, and for his dedication to family, friends and community. Roy was preceded in death by his parents, William and Euphemia “Fay” (Meulemans) Van Epern; brothers Ray, Don, Richard “Dick,” and Carl Van Epern and sisters Helen Van de Loo and Mary Lou Wolf. He was also preceded in death by brothers and sisters-in-law, and his best friend, William “Bill” Nussbaum. Roy is survived by his loving wife, Sally; daughters Kristin (Dave) Bouchard, Dawn (Mark) Finch and son Luke (Megan) Van Epern. Grandchildren Jonah and Erik Bouchard, Kali, Karena and Ryan Finch and Sam and Olivia Van Epern. He is also survived by his sisters Marion “Tuts” Kobussen and Karen Ramstack, brothers and sisters-in-law and special family friend Julie Nussbaum. A funeral service is being held on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Northland Lutheran Church with Debbie Thompson officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Masks are optional. Everyone is invited to join the family for a light lunch immediately following the service. We’ll gather at the former Krause Publication building at the Iola Old Car Show grounds, 350 Chrome Place, Iola, WI 54945. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Marshfield Cancer Center - Stevens Point, 4100 WI-66, Stevens Point, WI 54482, the Iola Food Pantry, 395 E. Iola St., Iola, WI 54945 or Project Backpack (I-S Schools) The Lakes, 153 County QQ, Waupaca, WI 54981. Special thanks to Dr. Onitilo and the staff of the Marshfield Cancer Center in Stevens Point for their outstanding care and compassion.