Obituary for Rev. Jerome Schoeppler

The Reverend Jerome “Jerry” Schoeppler, born August 27, 1924, passed away in the early hours of January 4, 2024. At 99, his short term memory was in short supply but he could still name everyone in his high school class, flirt and quip with the nurses and doctors during clinic visits, describe every car he ever bought or helped someone buy, and wax poetic about the joy of an Awesome Blossom. He was born the youngest of three boys to Mabel and Harvey Schoeppler and grew up on a farm outside of New Germany, MN. He graduated from Watertown High School, received his B.A from the University of Minnesota, and a Master of Theology from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. Between high school and college he worked on the farm and then served as an US Army squad leader in Japan as part of the rebuilding efforts. He returned to pursue the path he felt called to: Christian ministry.

Jerry married his singing partner, Mary Lou Borg (1928-2019) in 1950, and together they produced two children: Tim and Beth. Jerry’s service took them to many United Methodist Churches from the far west of Minnesota to its deep south, before centering the family in the Twin Cities where he ministered to people in Excelsior, Osseo, and Shakopee. Jerry’s kindness, warmth, and caring were universally recognized by his friends and just about everyone who crossed his path. He was joyful and grateful to the very end. He is survived by son Tim Schoeppler and his wife Holly; daughter Beth Schoeppler and her husband Todd Pierson, who was Jerry’s faithful caregiver for the last several years; ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a trail of people whose hand he held, joys he shared, jokes he laughed at, tears he wiped, and aspirations he encouraged. He shared God’s healing love wherever he went. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that he once shot a hole-in-one, played the accordian and the tuba, could switch hit, once had a pilot’s license, had perfect handwriting, and was adored by every animal he ever met.

A memorial service will take place at 1pm on January 13, 2024 at Brooklyn United Methodist Church,7200 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Brooklyn United Methodist Church or Red Rock Camp.