Lori was born on July 11, 1963, in Butler, Missouri, where she grew up with a close loving family. Large events with extended family were cherished and frequent. In her teens, she spent summers working as a lifeguard at the local pool and shared special times mowing lawns alongside her grandfather, Eddie.
Lori enjoyed a rich and fulfilling high school experience. She played basketball and volleyball, was active in student government, and was crowned Homecoming Queen during her junior year. In 1981, she graduated as co-valedictorian of her class. Her academic achievements, athletic involvement, and leadership reflected the dedication and enthusiasm she brought to every part of her life.
Lori continued her education at Rockhurst College, where she played volleyball while earning a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She graduated in 1985.
Following graduation, Lori began a distinguished career with Saint Luke’s Health System in the Kansas City area. From 1985 until her retirement in 2021, she served as a medical laboratory scientist and education coordinator at both the Plaza and Lee’s Summit locations. During her 36 years of service, Lori shared her knowledge and experience with colleagues while contributing to the care of countless patients throughout the community.
Lori married her husband on March 23, 1991. Together, they made their home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Their son joined the family in 1993. Lori was an excellent mother.
A lifelong sports fan, Lori especially loved following Kansas City Royals baseball and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. She was also an avid reader who enjoyed gardening and riding bicycles. Lori loved the mountains and treasured her visits to Colorado.
Lori is survived by her husband, Kevin Koepsel; her son, Tyler Koepsel of Joplin, Missouri; her parents, David and Marylyn Engelhart of Butler, Missouri; her sister and brother-in-law, Dana and Dan Megard of Yankton, South Dakota; her brother, Wade Engelhart f Kansas City, Missouri; and many other relatives, friends, and colleagues who will miss her dearly.
A prayer service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, beginning at 1:00 pm at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, at 700 NE Chipman Rd. in Lee’s Summit, MO. The service will be followed by a reception from 1:30 to 3:30 in the Family Life Center of the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to either RedRover.org or CaringBridge.org. Red Rover helps domestic violence victims seeking safety with their pets. Caring Bridge was an invaluable resource for keeping friends and family informed during Lori’s four-year battle with glioblastoma.
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