Rev. Donald M. Schoeppler

Rev. Donald M. Schoeppler was born on February 13, 1930 at University Hospital, Minneapolis, MN. To Ira and Hazel Holcomb Schoeppler. He was baptized September 14, 1930. Donald was confirmed April 2, 1944 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, rural Henderson, MN. Donald suffered many medical challenges throughout his life. He lost his leg in 1949 at age 19. He had Polio in 1956 and cancer in 2001 and Chronic Pulmonary Disease in 2007. But, throughout his life, he was an inspiration to all who knew him. His courageous battle with cancer lasted 7 years. He studied and completed his high school by correspondence from American School, Chicago, IL. Donald completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wartburg College, Waverly, IA in 1963. He entered Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, IA. Donald received his Bachelor of Divinity Degree in 1966. Donald served First Lutheran Church in McGregor, IA as a student Pastor for 1 ½ years during the latter part of his studies at Wartburg Seminary. He was ordained into Lutheran Ministry in 1966 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in rural Henderson, MN. Then Don served Evangelical Lutheran Congregations at: Christ Lutheran, Pickrell, NE, Immanuel Lutheran, Coleridge, NE, Immanuel Lutheran, Fulda, MN, and St. Luke Lutheran, Traer, IA. He devoted 30 years of his life to pastoral ministry. Donald married Marjorie Thofson, June 8, 1957 at Hartland Lutheran Church, Hartland, MN. They observed their 50th wedding anniversary in 2007. Donald had a special love for his students in 6th, 7th & 8th grades. He was a compassionate Pastor, faithful Preacher and Teacher of the Gospel. He retired in June of 1995. This gave him the opportunity to play his keyboard, to fish and do gardening. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Servant". Donald will be greatly missed. Survivors include his wife, Marjorie; son, Kevin Carol Schoeppler of West Des Moines, IA; daughter, Rita Rae of St. Paul, MN, and her children, Carl and Amber Honeycutt, St. Paul, MN; sister, Palma Elroy Winter, of Green Isle, MN; brothers-in-law, Verlyn Kristi Thofson, and Virgil Arlene Thofson both of Hartland, MN. Donald was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Hamilton and Esther Thofson, brothers-in-law, Donald Thofson and Earl Thofson; and sister-in-law, Mildred Thofson In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to West Freeborn Lutheran Church, rural Hartland, MN.