On Sunday, October 25, 2026, Arlen David Pepke, 85, went to his Heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Arlen was born on February 11, 1941, to Otto and Helen (Kleinschmidt) Pepke in Merrill. Arlen was baptized on March 9, 1941, and confirmed on August 1, 1954. He graduated from Medford High School, class of 1959. After igh school, he farmed and logged on the family farm in Goodrich, until he was called to serve in the US Army. He served from 1963-1965 as a helicopter mechanic, one year in South Korea, and one year in Texas. He was honorably discharged achieving the rank of SP4. He returned to farming and logging. Arlen married Joanne Pfalz on October 4, 1969. They lived on the family farm until taking over the farm in December, 1974. They raised their three children on the farm.
After selling their farm animals in 1986, Arlen drove semi-trucks for various trucking companies. In August of 1995, he started driving semi-trucks for Walmart. While driving for Walmart he also taught High School Drivers Ed classes for schools in Northern Wisconsin. In 2008, he was chosen by the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association as Driver of the Year for the State of Wisconsin. In January of 2013, he retired from Walmart. In April of 2018, Arlen went on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. to see our Nation’s Monuments.
Arlen enjoyed deer hunting with his sons and grandchildren. He enjoyed camping with Joanne in the U.P. of Michigan, visiting the Amana Colonies in Iowa, watching Country shows in Branson, MO, and a train ride to Agawa Canyon in Canada. He enjoyed family get togethers for birthdays as well as special holidays throughout the year. He enjoyed the weekly Polka shows, and the Daniel O’Donnell shows on TV. Arlen also loved to watch and cheer on the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Arlen was a member of St. Andrew Ev. Lutheran Church, Goodrich, for many years holding various church board positions, and later with Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church as a member of the Board of Elders.
Arlen is survived by his wife, Joanne; brother, Gerald (Joan) Pepke; sons, Scott (Tessa) Pepke and Luke (Brianna) Pepke; son-in-law, Jim Hoeck; eight grandchildren, Andrew (Tori) Hoeck, Jacob Hoeck, Matthew (Fiancée, Jaden Carstensen) Hoeck, Kessa Pepke, Charlie Pepke, Sabina Pepke, Melody Pepke, George Pepke; three step-grandchildren, Kaleb (Sabrina) Brehm, Fiona and Lukas Dulak; one great-granddaughter, Natalie Rose; brother, Gerald (Joan) Pepke; brothers-in-law, Edward (Elaine) Meline, Donald (Kathy) Pfalz, Allan (Arlene) Pfalz; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Arlen was preceded in death by his father and mother; his daughter, Michele Hoeck; his twin sister, Arlene Meline; a sister in infancy, Baby Pepke; his brother and sister-in-law, Carlon (Darlene); sisters-in-law, Virginia Pepke, and Margaret Pfalz; nieces, Linda Beran, Lisa and Laura Pepke; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Melvin and Mary Pfalz; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jeanette and Wesley Fredrick.
A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church in Medford, with Rev. David Spaude officiating. Military rites given by the Medford Area Military Honors Team followed the service. Arlen will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery II, Medford.
Visitation was from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.
Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.
