William J. Doepkens,
age 67, suddenly passed away from a massive heart attack at his farm on Md 424,
near US 50, on October 25, 2024.
Bill was born on January 10, 1957 to
William P. and Marjorie J. Doepkens (né Desmarais). After graduating from
Southern High School in 1975 where he was in the Future Farmers of America, he
became a third-generation farmer on the 100-year-old diversified crop and
livestock/tobacco family farm. After his father’s death in 2000, Bill continued
the family tradition of devoted stewardship of the land, raising small grains,
hay, cattle, laying chickens, flowers, mums, and pumpkins. In addition, he
developed an on-farm store for his products and a floral-design event business.
He held a deep appreciation for and an understanding of the beauty of nature.
Bill had many interests
outside of farming, enjoying domestic and international travel, photography,
and especially musical pursuits. In the early ‘90s he joined the choir of St.
Mary’s Catholic Church in Annapolis in addition to cantoring and singing at
weddings and funerals. He also sang in the Dignity Church choir and became a
chorister in the Annapolis Chorale and the Annapolis Chamber Choir. Still
later, he became a tenor with the Washington Oratorio Society which became the
Washington Chorus. When the City Choir of Washington was born, he began a new
chapter in his singing career. In 2008 he became the alternate section leader
for the T1s and served as vice president of the choir for two years before he
became president in 2014 and served in that role for several years. One of the
principals that guided his musical pursuits as well as his life is from Maya
Angelou: “Let nothing dim the light that shines from within.”
Bill was predeceased by
his parents, William P. and Marjorie J. Doepkens. He is survived by four
siblings: Jean Wright of Richmond, VA; Marjorie (David) Salyers of Annapolis;
Frederick Doepkens of Stewartstown, PA; and Elizabeth (Jon) Yuan of Odenton. He
is also survived by five nieces: Katie Salyers, Christina Salyers, Sarah Jean
Wright, Anna Wright and Alyssa Yuan; a nephew Andrew Yuan; and a grand- nephew
Jackson Salyers. In addition, he is survived by numerous cousins.
A Visitation will be at
Taylor M. Funeral Home in Annapolis on Friday, November 15, 2024 (due notice of
time will be given). A funeral mass will be held at 9 am on Saturday, November
16, 2024 in Saint Mary’s Catholic Church 109 Duke of Gloucester Street Annapolis,
Maryland 21401. Interment will follow at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Annapolis.
You can read the rest of his extensive
obituary at: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/annapolis-md/william-doepkens-12045811
