Fredric Kristen “Kris” Koepcke, 90, formally of Batesville, IN, passed away on November 24, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones. He left this world peacefully of natural causes, closing a life defined by his intellect, accomplishments, relationships, and delightful sense of humor.
Kris was born on July 30, 1935, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Kenneth and Esther Koepcke. Raised in Madison, he remained an avid fan of the University of Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers throughout his life.
A proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Kris earned his B.S. in Geology in 1957 and later returned to complete his J.D. in 1964. Between those milestones, he served his country as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany as a member of the Military Police Honor Guard. Kris approached his years of military service with the same discipline, composure, and humor he brought to every chapter of his life.
Kris built a distinguished and wide-ranging professional career, one that reflected both his intellect and his versatility. He worked as a Patent Agent for the Forest Products Laboratory, then joined the Koehring law staff, where he was sworn into the U.S. Supreme Court for oral argument in Dunn v. Koehring circa 1968, a milestone he recalled with a mixture of pride and his trademark humility. He later served as General Counsel for Hillenbrand Industries and then for U.S. Bank.
Outside of his professional life, Kris was happiest outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, skilled in all styles, though he’d proudly tell you that bass fishing was the best way to spend a day. On the golf course, he played with grit, determination and occasional mischief, and one of his favorite points of pride was having “shot his age,” a feat that only dedicated and seasoned golfers ever achieve, not to mention the five times he scored a hole in one.
Kris married the love of his life, Shirley, with whom he shared 52 years of partnership, happiness, and unwavering devotion. They enjoyed a lifetime of mutual interests including, family, golf, the arts, and travelling together. He is survived by Shirley; his daughters, Kristeen Frampton and Kendra (Jon) Doyle; his brothers, Bruce (Deanna) and Alan (Nina) Koepcke; his grandchildren Jana (Shane) Hageman and Eric Doyle; and great-grandchildren Conrad and Christian Hageman and Fredric Doyle.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Salvation Army and the Wounded Warriors Project.
Kris lived fully, loved deeply, and left a legacy as enduring as the stories he told. He will be profoundly missed and fondly remembered.