Kenneth C Hepler, age 83, of Valley View, passed away Sunday, February 12, 2017 at the Tremont Health and Rehabilitation Center.
He was born on Saturday, April 29, 1933, in Gratz, a son of the late Harry Hepler, Sr and the late Laura Minnich Hepler.
He was a 1951 graduate of the former Hegins Twp High School.
Kenn served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict.
He was a self employed truck driver hauling steel for 20 plus years, after which he and his wife owned and operated the Mini Mart Sub Shoppe in Valley View for 20 plus years; selling and retiring in 2000. He was also a former school bus driver for Bowman Brothers, Valley View.
He was a member of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View.
Kenn was also a member and Past Master of FandAM Valley Lodge 797 of Valley View, the Harrisburg Consistory, a life member of VFW Post 2385 of Gratz, a member of the Tower City American Legion Post 468. Prior to his illness he was a member of the Valley View, Hegins, and Sacramento Fire Companies, the Valley View Gun Club and the Dutchmen's Hunting Camp of Bradford County. In his younger days Kenn was an avid trap shooter winning the state championship.
Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were a son Kendall C Hepler, son in law, Keith D Zerbe, brothers Harry Hepler, Jr, and Glenn Hepler, and sisters B Lorraine Harner and Beverly Snyder.
He is survived by his wife Geraldine D Hentz Hepler, to whom he was married for 64 years.
He is also survived by two daughters, Gretchen D Zerbe of Valley View, and Kelsey C Fetterolf and her husband Kevin of Hegins; three granddaughters, Melissa Spatzer and her husband Jeff of Hebe, Bethany Runkle and her fiancée Turner Klinger of Stevens, and Kendra Hepler of Philadelphia; a grandson, Matthew Runkle of Hudson, MA; a great grandson, Tanner Spatzer of Hebe; a brother, Jack Hepler and his wife Irene of Gratz; an aunt, Marg Ibberson of Tower City; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
There will be no services.
Memorial contributions can be made to The Alzheimer's Association, 2595 Interstate Drive, Suite 100, Harrisburg PA 17110.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences can be left for the family at
www.buffingtonreed.com
.