William (Bill) Peter Koppelman, 86, of Austin, TX passed away on May 14, 2012. He was born March 16, 1926 to Peter Wilhelm Koppelman and Bertha Stelter Koppelman in Galveston, TX.

A loving father, brother, uncle, and grandfather, Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elinor Ruth Koppelman, his daughter Lisa Ann Statham, his grandson Robert William Statham, his son Stephen William Koppelman, his daughter Carol Beth Koppelman and her husband Brian Ledford.
Bill was baptized and confirmed in St. John's Lutheran Church in Galveston.
He was a 1943 graduate of Ball High School in Galveston, finishing 10th in his class. A gifted student in science and mathematics, Bill joined the US Army on June 17, 1943 and was selected for the Army Specialized training program. He began a 9 month civil engineering course at Oklahoma State at age 17, took his basic training at age 18, and then completed the engineering course at Oregon State.
Bill served in the 656th Engineer Topographical Battalion until receiving an honorable discharge on May 6, 1946.
After his discharge Bill attended UT Austin, graduating in 1949 with a degree in civil engineering.
After graduation he worked as a civil engineer with the US Bureau of Reclamation, and then the Texas Water Commission, retiring in 1984.

Bill was a member of St. Martin's Lutheran Church since 1955, where he met his future wife Elinor Wilde.
He was also a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the German Texan Heritage Society.
In spite of a difficult childhood growing up in a broken family during the great depression, Bill lived a long, full life, and served his country honorably.
He was a wonderful provider, and will be missed by his friends and extended family.

Graveside services at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 18, 2012 in Oakwood Annex Cemetery. Mr. Koppelman will lie in state from Noon until 5:00 p.m. Thursday, May 17, 2012 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the charity of your choice.