Jerome Keppler

JEROME KEPPLER Manchester Jerome R. Keppler, 89, of Manchester, was called to his heavenly home on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was born July 25, 1927, near New Vienna, the son of Henry and Rose (Hoeger) Keppler. Jerry was raised and educated in the Edgewood area. Jerry was united in marriage to Verna Mae Berns on Oct. 26, 1953, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Winthrop. Seven children were blessed to this union. Together they farmed near Lamont, West Union and Strawberry Point. In 1963, they moved to a farm east of Manchester which they farmed until 1979. Jerry then was employed by Exide until 1992, and in 1997, they moved to town. Jerry was a longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church and attended weekly Mass regularly. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed playing cards and volleyball. Jerry also loved being with his family, and enjoyed woodworking, the Cubs, gardening, farming and going for drives. Jerry always had chocolate for his kids and Cheetos for the grandkids and great-grandkids. He went out to Ron's farm daily because he loved it so much. Survivors to cherish his memory include his six children, Rosemary Drees, Sue (Bill) Logan, Steve (Gloria) Keppler, Ron Keppler, Lisa (Mark) Hepke and Diane (Ken) Klein, all of Manchester; 13 grandchildren, Danelle O'Connell, Mike Drees, Jaci Zieser and Curt Drees, Brian and Brett Logan, Phil and Drew Keppler, Ben and Kelsey Hepke and Derek, Kayla and Kristi Klein; 23 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Jim Keppler of Cedar Rapids. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Verna, on April 11, 2006; a son, Bill, in 1975; a son-in-law, Dan Drees, in 2016; his parents; and 10 siblings, Cletus, Harold, Irvin, Leonard, Ray, John, Father Dan Keppler and Mary Burr, Clarinda and Berniece Bushaw. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society. A special thanks to Amanda and all the ladies from Hospice and the Good Neighbor Society staff for their wonderful care. Online condolences may be sent to

www.leonard-mullerfh.com. Mass of Christian Burial: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31,   at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Manchester, with the  Rev. John Kremer officiating. Visitation: 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home, Manchester. Friends may also call one hour before Mass Wednesday at the church. Interment: St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Manchester.