Dee Dee Koep, 72

Dee Dee Koep, 72

Diana Denise “Dee Dee” Koep passed on Aug. 14, 2018, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House. Born in Coeur d’Alene, March 8, 1946, to Orville M. and Leona B. (Owens) Weiser, Dee Dee joined her sister Jackie and brother Bob. She attended schools in Coeur d’Alene, Central School, Coeur d’Alene Junior High and CHS, where she was a member of the famous Vikettes drill team. She graduated in 1964.

In 1963, while selling hydroplane tickets, she met Ken Koep of Coeur d’Alene. They married in September 1964 and had two boys, Bob and Michael. While the kids were young, she sold Fashion Two-Twenty Cosmetics and many times was top in sales for the region. Dee Dee later worked at Harvey’s Clothing store on Sherman Avenue. Her claim to fame was as one of the concierges at the new Coeur d’Alene Resort. She played Mrs. Claus for many Christmas celebrations at The Resort, as well. Later, when Dee Dee was out and about town she was often sighted by children — they would point and say, “There’s Mrs. Claus.” It warmed her heart.

Dee Dee enjoyed the years being with friends at potluck dinners and parties, and with her family. There was never a time that an anniversary, birthday, graduation, or holiday went by without a dinner and a hug at home. She said, “I’ll make my Red Devil’s food cake.” (The green bean casserole recipe is still a secret.) Dee Dee and Ken enjoyed boating and spending summers at Priest Lake’s Low’s Resort where they found a new family of friends.

Survivors include her husband, Ken, at home; sons, Bob Koep and wife, Bobbi and Michael Koep of Coeur d’Alene; granddaughter, Gerry Buchan and her husband, Nic; grandson, Michael Scott; granddaughter, Lenna Kamps and husband, Joe; grandson, Matthew Ahlers and wife Amanda; brother, Bob Foster of Coeur d’Alene; great-grandchildren, Joe, Addie, Ally, Morgan and Wyatt; nieces and nephews, Jack, Jay and Jeff Foster, Jodi Van Dalsen and Terri, Cathy and Dana.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Jackie; sister-in-law, Sharon Foster; and her great-niece, Angie Foster.

The Koep family would like thank all of the health care professionals at Maplewood, Renaissance, Guardian Angel, Post Falls Rehab, Kootenai Health and Hospice of North Idaho. We are grateful for your dedication and compassion. The family prefers memorial contributions to Hospice of North Idaho to help them continue their important work.

The memorial service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, at St. Thomas Catholic Church with a reception following at the Parish Hall.

Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene is in care of the arrangements and you may visit Dee Dee’s online memorial and share your condolences at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.