Altho Al Koepke was not a pioneer, having been born in Germany, and coming, at two years of age, with his parents, to Sheboygan, his activities here were of a nature so conspicuously worth while that his memory deserves mention in the Pioneer. He was for many years a mail carrier, always welcome to those whom he served, and his proficiency on the clarinet, acquired thru years of practice, climaxed by instruction of a master of the instrument, led him to form what later became known at the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra, which flourished for a number of years under the efficient direction of Theodore Winkler. Koepke was a man of engaging presence, and his insistence of purpose was the main factor in bringing about the orchestra's realization. The orchestra flourished for many years, but public interest in good music was not sufficient to keep it going, and several years ago it ceased to function. Koepke died last month, but his memory will be kept green for many years. He came to Sheboygan with his parents early in the Seventies.

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