Francis Ronald Koeper of Lewiston, passed away peacefully at home Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at the age of 92. Ron was born Feb. 16, 1933, in Spokane to Charlie and Pearl Koeper. Ron was raised and attended school in Pine City, Wash., until he Graduated in 1951.
While growing up Ron had many different hobbies, baseball was one of them from a young age, after high school Ron played at Washington State University for one year to play varsity baseball as a catcher, but then was drafted into the U.S. Armed Forces during the Korean Conflict.
After returning from the Army; Ron went back to his roots and starting playing professional ball still as a catcher for the Arizona Stars for a year, then the Spokane Indians Baseball followed by the Lewiston Broncs 1957-1958. Once Ron’s baseball career was complete, he started working for the Lewiston Police Department 1957, for the next 20 years. Ron wore many different hats and had great accomplishments. They were implementing the Resource Program, served as a juvenile officer for 12 years, started the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (the Dare Program) for kids and was a detective for the police department. When Ron retired from LPD he was assistant chief of police. In 1979, Ron was appointed Nez Perce County Sheriff. While Ron was sheriff he started with the Nez Perce County Posse for the next 18 years, serving in rodeo, Roundup parades, pack trips, started Operation Challenge and the Search and Rescue Team as well. Being involved for years on the Sheriff’s Posse he was accompanied by his great friend Wayne Schweeney who provided great horses. Ranger and Brandy were his favorite.
Ron was a life member of the Lewiston Elks for 62 years, the American Legion for 38 years, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles for 45 years and was the 2004 grand marshal for the 79th Lewiston Roundup with his wife Ann, where they shared the spotlight with their granddaughter Sara Wilsey O’Kelley who was a 2004 Roundup princess.
Ron married Mary Willmore and together they had four children: Ronald Francis Koeper (Stillborn), Gary, Janet and Terry. Ron spent many days and hours watching and coaching his children in sports and in horse shows throughout the years. That marriage ended in divorce.
Ron later married Mary Ann Mattoon and together they enjoyed traveling many places after Ron’s retirement in 1997. Ron enjoyed golfing and trap shooting with his sons and buddies. Going to hunting camp with family in the fall, watching NASCAR, playing cribbage and enjoying his great-grandson Colten.
Ron is survived by his children: Gary (Cindy) Koeper, Janet (Brian) Wilsey and Terry Koeper; granddaughter Sara (Brian) O’Kelley and great-grandson Colten O’Kelley. Ron was preceded in death by his wife Ann; parents Charlie and Pearl; son Ronald Francis and his half-brother Harvey Wicks.
Special thanks to Steve Meyers for being a faithful paper delivery man and Timme Webb for just stopping to check on him and shoot the breeze, Elite Hospice Care for presenting Dad with his Blanket of Valor for his service in the Army. Serengeti Care for helping, caring and cooking for Dad.
At his request there will be no services and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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