Alan Kepler

ALAN KEPLER

Elberon

Alan Craig Kepler, a.k.a. "Porky" and "Big Guy," 59, entered into rest Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids following an extended illness. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at Valley View Baptist Church, 5555 Mount Vernon Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids, with the Rev. Phil Foster officiating. Military rites will be performed at the church by Belle Plaine American Legion Post 39 and U.S. Navy Funeral Honors. Memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton.

Alan was born July 22, 1955, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Alva Clell and Dorothy B. Shriner Kepler. He received his education in Shellsburg. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1973 until 1977, serving in Vietnam. He was a former member of Belle Plaine's American Legion Post 39. On Sept. 20, 1980, Alan was united in marriage with Diane Marie Trimble. Alan worked as a truck driver, most recently for Mike McMurrin Trucking.

Alan enjoyed muscle cars and race cars and he loved going to the races. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time with his dog, Izzy. His grandchildren were his world and he loved sharing breakfast with them.

Alan is survived by his wife of 34 years, Diane of Elberon; two sons, Josh (Kristen) Kepler of Keystone and Jeremy Kepler of Cedar Rapids; one brother, Ron Kepler of Colbert, Okla.; one sister, Cindy (Chuck) Hard of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren, Kayla, Craig and Kiley Kepler; several nieces and nephews; and a special family member, Roberta O'Shaughnessy of Vinton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Billy Kepler.

A memorial fund has been established.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home is caring for Alan and his family.

Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.