1939 – Donald James Kepler – 2018
Donald James Kepler was born on May 24, 1939, in Slayton, Minnesota. He was one of eleven children born to Leo and Frances (Reinsma) Kepler. Don was baptized as an infant and confirmed in his youth at the Assembly of God Church in Slayton. He attended school in Slayton before joining the United States Army. He served his country from 1957 – 1960. Upon returning home he met Ms. Constance Slaight. On June 10, 1961, Don and Connie were married at the Methodist Church in Slayton. They lived there briefly before moving to Marshall, Minnesota to raise their daughter, Sharon. The couple were married for 56 years this past June. Don worked at the Costal and Derby Stations in Marshall and he did maintenance at Holy Redeemer Catholic School in Marshall. In 2003, he and Connie moved to Medford, Minnesota to be closer to Sharon. He worked school maintenance in Northfield, Minnesota and he most recently was working part-time at Walmart in Owatonna, Minnesota. He was a past member of the Eagles Club in Marshall. His enjoyments in life included hunting and spending time with family, but he loved watching Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and others in NASCAR. Don passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at his home in Marshall at the age of 78 years, 7 months, and 30 days. He will be dearly missed.
Don is survived by the love of his life Connie Kepler, Medford, MN; daughter Sharon (Stacey) Miller, Bloomington, MN; granddaughter Sara Miller, Eagan, MN; seven siblings: Vern (Bonnie) Kepler, Fargo, ND, Ruth Roeder, Slayton, MN, Neva (Dave) Swanson, Slayton, MN, Les Kepler, Avoca, MN, Philip (Cindy) Kepler, Bethel, ID, Dave Kepler, FL, Gloria McMann, Dove Creek, CO; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Frances Kepler; and three siblings: Alice Wixon, Robert Kepler and Sandy Kepler.
Memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 27, 2018, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, MN. Military honors followed, provided by the American Legion, Post #113. Arrangements by the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota. Guest book and tribute wall available online at www.hamiltonfh.com.
