Obituaries
Robert Koppehele, 87
December 07, 2020
Robert Koppehele, 87, of Lancaster, passed away on Monday, December 7, 2020.
He was the husband of the late Yvonne Wissler Koppehele, who passed away in 2019. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Hugo and Marie Mummert Koppehele.
Bob was a long-time teacher, teaching physical sciences at Columbia High School from 1961 to 1974, and then teaching math at Stevens Trade School from 1974 to 1993. His Chemistry students at Columbia were often treated to experiments that culminated in something being blown up in the high school parking lot. He loved being a teacher and touched so many lives in his teaching, with former students in the engineering and science fields contacting him years later to ask his opinion on a project or task. He also judged the County Science Fairs at Franklin & Marshall for many years.
He was a talented woodworker, enjoyed going to the gym, solving cryptograms and crossword puzzles, and he could fix just about anything. His most prized possession was his 1986 Ford F150 truck. He enjoyed competing in the shot put at the Lancaster Senior Olympics.
Bob served in the US Army as a Corporal during the Korean War at Ft. McClennan in Alabama.
Bob is survived by his children: Valerie M. Kinder and her significant other, John Flemming of Lancaster; Lisa Koppehele married to Maurice Heltzel of West York, and Dane married to Shelly Koppehele of Lancaster, and by his 8 grandchildren: Kristen, Kerry, Haydn, Nigel, Neville, Jarryd, Lauren, and Megan, and by his 11 great grandchildren.
Service are private at the convenience of the family. Please make contributions in Bob’s memory to the Pet Pantry, 26 Millersville Rd., Lancaster, PA 17603.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
December 16, 2020
My condolences go out to Bob’s family. I will always be thank for all of our conversation at Formula Fitness. I truly looked forward to seeing him and his workout partner when I walked through the gym doors. It definitely will not be the same at Formula.
-Will
December 14, 2020
I was saddened to read that Bob is no longer with us. I enjoyed talking with him at the gym. He was very engaging and was a delight to have known him. I will always have fond memories of our discussions.
Gale
December 14, 2020
He was my homeroom and chemistry teacher. What a great person he was. the obituary was so correct in the experiment context. Lots of fun and good memories. May he rest in peace knowing that he touched so many lives in his educational career. Sincerely, Bill Kraft CHS class of 1974
December 13, 2020
He is once again united with Yvonne. Become one with the light, Bob.
Rich
December 13, 2020
He was my favorite teacher at CHS. Had Mr. Koppehele for Chem 1&2,Physics. He also assisted me in getting science projects for the county fair. My condolences to the family. He was truly a great teacher and man.
Paul B Hines
December 13, 2020
My deepest condolences on the loss of Mr. Koppehele. I was a student of his at Columbia High but he was so much more than a teacher. He was a good, good friend and mentor during my difficult teenage years. He was always there with a smile, a joke, some well thought out advice. I always smile when I think of him. He was a great man and a great role model for hundreds of high school students. RIP MR. CuHe!!
Chris Nelson, CHS Class of 1974
December 13, 2020
Our sincere condolences to Bob’s family. Bob was a judoka (Judo Player) of mine in “The Academy of Kodokan Judo” back in the 1970s. I was his Sensei, but he was the true teacher. My wife was also in a program he taught at Stevens while she worked at the Kellogg Company.
He was a unique, intelligent, and kind individual.
Tom and Julie Boyd
December 13, 2020
My sincere condolences to all members of the Koppehele family. Bob was an outstanding and unique teacher. In addition to his chemistry and physics instruction, he taught many life lessons. He was instrumental in my choice to become a science teacher. I cherish the time I had with him, so many years ago. Rest in peace, Mr. CuHe.
~ Gregg Overmeyer, CHS ’69
December 13, 2020
I was in one of Bob’s first classes at Columbia. Twice since I was retired as a teacher of science I spoke to Bob telling him how much I enjoyed his classes & that he inspired me to become a teacher.
im so glad that he enjoyed a good retirement also.
William Staman
December 12, 2020
Dear Valerie, Lisa and Dane … how I WISH I had all the right words to ease the sharp edge of your grief and sadness, but as your dad often said, “If wishes were horses, beggers would ride.” He was a most unique and extraordinary human being, a man of integrity and commitment, of high intelligence, a quick wit, with a desire to help others, and who believed that hugs were very important. Like you, I will miss him terribly, but I am very sure that a thunderous and joyful cheer of welcome greeted him when he walked into Heaven!
I hug you all, Ronna Pierson Bulera
December 11, 2020
To the Koppehele family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of such an extraordinary man. This is a tremendous loss to your family, but now he’s with his dear Yvonne. He was the brightest, funniest man I knew. I will miss him terribly. May he RIP.
Patricia Donnelly
December 11, 2020
My sincere condolences go out to Bob’s family. I did not know Bob personally but what I’ve heard about him, I would have to say he was an extremely smart man who cared about family. R.I.P. Bob 🙏❤
Chuck Hancock
December 11, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. He was such a joy to see in our office and at the gym. He was always so very pleasant and warm, and his intelligence was inspiring. I will always have fond memories of him
Frank Carano
