William C. Voepel, Jr.

Rochester, MN: William C. Voepel, Jr.77, of Rochester, passed away with his family by his side, June 26, 2011 at Sunrise Cottages from complications of Parkinson's and dementia with Lewy bodies. He was born August 9, 1933 in St. Louis, MO to William C. and Elynor (Hillebrand) Voepel, Sr. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in business. Bill proudly served his country with the US Navy from which he retired as Commander after 39 years. He also spent much of his time as a pilot for Eastern Airlines, where he flew the Boeing 757 and retired as Captain after 25 years. Bill was a US Figure Skating judge for 20 years, and president of the Skating Club of RI. He was the President of Total Image, Inc., and a member of New Day Church. Bill enjoyed traveling, reading, singing and playing the harmonica and ukulele. Above all, Bill loved spending time with his family and friends. Bill is survived by his daughters, Lori Voepel Brakke of Rochester, Lynne (Bob) Voepel Gaudette of Greenville, RI; son, William (Evangelina Vidal) Voepel III of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Shannon, Chris, Kim, Amy, Bobby, Kyle, Garrett; great-grandchildren, Joshua, Julianna, Gregory, Kennedy; sisters, Linda (Carter) LaBarge, Nancy (Mike) Haiston, Pat Stenback, Judy Olson; brother, David (Marjorie) Voepel and a host of other family and friends. Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Arline; brother, Bob and by his parents William and Elynor. A memorial and celebration of life will be held 1:00pm Sunday, August 14, 2011 at Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial 300 7th St. SW, Rochester, with Rev. John DuBall officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, attn. Tribute Gifts, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780 or to New Day Covenant Church, P.O. Box 6384, Rochester, MN 55903. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com