Community
A Tribute to Martin Koepke On October 2, 2023, Mayor Bill Brown recognized longtime Village resident Martin Koepke for his vast contributions to Mariemont, officially proclaiming it Martin Koepke Day. Sadly, Martin passed away a few days later, on October 10, after a long battle with stomach cancer.
were embraced by the basketball teams. At Sturgis High School, Martin's basketball coach encouraged him to try track, and he astounded everyone by breaking the school record for the mile at 4:19, clad in blue jeans and Converse high top tennis shoes.
Destiny led Martin to Lisa Anne Martin generously Shapleigh in the devoted countless stairwell of Shaw Hall volunteer hours to the at Michigan State Village of Mariemont, University. They fell where he and Lisa, in love, married, his wife of 45 years, and embarked on nurtured their family a creative journey and supported Mary together for 45 years, Emery's original giving life to two vision of establishing exceptional children, a livable, walkable Lydia Marie and community. Martin’s Alexander Shapleigh. numerous professional Following achievements were their wedding, recognized both by the joyful couple Mariemont Mayor Bill settled in Cincinnati Brown proclaiming Martin C. Koepke - 1953 - 2023 in 1978, where October 2, 2023 as Martin commenced “Martin Koepke Day” a remarkable 43-year career in landscape as well as the City of Cincinnati declaring architecture, 33 of which were alongside John September 13, 2021 as Martin Koepke Day Bentley. Together, they crafted numerous on the occasion of his retirement from a iconic public sites, including Great American remarkable 43-year career as a landscape Ballpark, P&G World Headquarters, Piatt architect. Park, University of Cincinnati, several Cincinnati Public Library locations, private Martin’s family said, “Martin’s profound estates, civic enhancements, and the ability to honor human dignity through his monumental urban development project dedication to family, his work as a landscape Tianxiu in Beijing, China. architect, and his remarkable character, enriched the world in which we live.” In both his professional endeavors and personal life, Martin consistently From Martin’s obituary: and thoughtfully considered the needs of those around him. His acute understanding “Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1953, of the human condition and the natural world his formative years were deeply influenced allowed him to create a lasting legacy of by the meticulous order of his father's places that foster positive human interactions. woodshop, the warmth of his mother's His mission was to ensure the existence kitchen, exploring natural landscapes and of spaces where joy could flourish. riparian environments, and a love for sports. Martin's athletic talents were complemented He faced all challenges with curiosity, by his unwavering dedication to teamwork, always mindful of others at every stage embodying the belief that while good things of life, right until the end. As Lydia sat happen alone, great achievements occur with him during his final days, Martin's together. During his high school years, ability to articulate diminished. However, Martin's family moved several times, yet wherever they went, all three Koepke brothers his understanding and appreciation of Page 6
Martin Koepke Day Proclamation by Mayor Bill Brown Martin Koepke has been a valued member of the Mariemont community for over 37 years, and Whereas, Martin served admirably in preserving our Village heritage as a member on the Architectural Review Board for ten years, and Whereas, as a nationally recognized Landscape Architect, Martin has completed countless volunteer design or consulting projects throughout the Village, and Whereas, the Village of Mariemont will benefit for generations from Martin’s talents in creating functional, beautiful spaces that bridge our built environment with the natural world, and Whereas, Martin represents a model of participating citizenship and a source of joy and encouragement to others, and Whereas, the Village of Mariemont wishes to thank Martin for the positive impact he has had on our Village during his many years of service, and Now, therefore, I, William A. Brown, Mayor of the Village of Mariemont, Ohio, do hereby proclaim, Monday, October 2nd, 2023 as: Martin Koepke Day In the Village of Mariemont and encourage all citizens and visitors to the community to join in this special recognition. William A. Brown, Mayor the human experience remained evident, encapsulated in his parting word, "Courage." cont'd on next page Mariemont Town Crier
