Raphael C. Hepokoski

Raphael C. Hepokoski age 94, of Menahga, MN died Thursday, November 4, 2010 at Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga, MN. Raphael was born to Henry and Anna (Hoyhtya) Hepokoski on May 27, 1916 in Menahga, MN where he was raised with siblings Oscar, Henrietta and Victor. He attended school and graduated from Menahga High School with the class of 1935. Raphael attended Business College in Detroit Lakes. He worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in Cass Lake and was employed in Detroit, MI at Fisher Body. He was inducted into the United States Army on November 20, 1942 and served during WWII; he was honorable discharge on November 20, 1945. He was a partner in the East Bay Insurance Agency during the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. He worked as a Shipping Clerk on the waterfront in the San Francisco Bay Area from the mid 1950’s until his retirement in 1981. He was active in the Local of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. Raphael was united in marriage to Martha Reinikka, on December 24, 1949 in Menahga two children were born to this union. He and Martha lived in Pleasant Hill, California for many years. He enjoyed gardening, especially with his roses and fruit trees. They returned to Menahga in 1983, where he and Martha were involved in the organization of the Menahga Area Historical Museum, where he served as a volunteer. He was an active member of the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church. Raphael is survived by his wife Martha of Menahga; two children: Carol Hepokoski and her husband John Berquist of Rochester, MN and Henry Hepokoski of Menahga; two grandsons Andy (Margaret) Rosequist of Boston, MA and Jonah Berquist of Seattle, WA; sister, Henrietta Beck of Minneapolis, numerous nieces and nephews and brothers and sisters in faith. Visitation will be from 5-8 PM on Sunday November 7, 2010 at the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church in Menahga and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 PM Monday, November 8, 2010 at the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church in Menahga with Dale Kemp officiating. Raphael’s family and friends will serve as Casketbearers. Interment will be at the Menahga City Cemetery.