Herbert Gottlob Keppler
March 16, 1916 - March 28, 2011
Obituary
Herb was born March 16, 1916 in Odessa, WA which is 20 miles Northeast of Moses Lake. Herb’s parents emigrated from Germany in the early 1900’s and settled in Eastern Washington as Herb had an uncle Jacob living in Cashmere. The fertile wheat fields of Eastern Washington attracted many ethnic German farmers from the Ukraine and these immigrants were on the lookout for a German speaking pastor. The family moved from Odessa to Ralston in 1919 when Herb was 3 years old. Three of Herb’s brothers, Reinhardt, Helmut and Benjamin were born in Ralston and the town would prove to be even more significant to Herb in later years. The family lived in Ralston for several years before moving on to other communities in Eastern Washington and settling in Wapato where Herb was graduated from Wapato High School in 1934. Herb grew up in a family of one sister and 7 brothers
In 1937 Herb met Virginia, while horseback riding and they were married May 26, 1938 in the Methodist Church in Prosser, WA. Shortly after their marriage, Herb and Virginia lived in Twin Falls Idaho before returning to Yakima where their first three sons were born. In 1940 their first son, Herbert Jr., “Keppy” was born. In 1942, Jim was born. In 1944 Herb and Virginia experienced the tragedy of losing Keppy to polio while Virginia was in the hospital giving birth to John. In 1945 the family moved to Pasco, WA and then on to Wallace, Idaho in 1946 where Jerry was born.
The family moved back to Yakima in early 1947 where they lived until they moved to Seattle in 1954. Prior to moving to Seattle, Herb worked for a local grocery chain, Sigman’s, in Yakima and then went to work for Kraft Foods. Herb had the opportunity for a promotion with Kraft in Seattle. Herb continued his employment with Kraft in Seattle until his retirement in 1979.
After their retirement, Herb enjoyed his gardens which produced voluminous crops of roses, raspberries and tomatoes. Many of you here today enjoyed Virginia’s raspberry jam and no doubt received fresh raspberries as well. For many years, Herb also baked fresh bread every week for communion services at the 9:00 services at the old First Church. Herb and Virginia enjoyed traveling and took many trips to Germany and England to find Keppler family relatives. They enjoyed cruises as well as many trips to Mexico and Hawaii.
An important activity during Herb’s retirement was honoring one of his brothers, Reinhardt, who was a Medal of Honor decorated naval hero during World War II. Reinhardt served on the Heavy Cruiser, USS San Francisco. Herb and Virginia met many new friends at USS San Francisco reunions with survivors of the USS San Francisco who had served with Reinhardt in World War II. In addition to the USS San Francisco reunions, they attended reunions with crewmembers of the USS Keppler, a destroyer escort named for Reinhardt. In 2002, the town of Ralston, honored Reinhardt and the family by naming the town park, Keppler Memorial Park. In addition to attending the commemoration, Herb was also able to once again travel to Ralston in 2009 for the Ralston Centennial. His childhood home “Volunteer of the Month” on more than one occasion. He also participated in many other activities at Bayview, including the German club as he never lost his ability to speak the fluent German he learned at home as a child growing up with German speaking parents.
Herb stayed active, enjoying his three sons and their families and taking his afternoon walks to Kerry Park and elsewhere around the Queen Anne area. He lived a full and happy life punctuated by his exceedingly friendly and outgoing personality. He always had a kind word and warm smile for people he happened upon.
In March, Herb contracted a serious strain of Pneumonia. Although at first physicians and family were somewhat optimistic that with antibiotics, he could recover from this illness. But the disease proved resistant to the drugs. On March 28th Herb, with his family at his bedside passed from this life and into the eternal reward he so richly deserved.
Herb is survived by a brother, David, his three sons, Jim and wife Catherine, John and wife Marsha and Jerry and wife Ann; granddaughter Heidi, and grandsons Dean, Kirk and his wife Joni, and Eric and his wife Courtney and 4 great grandchildren Wyatt, Evan, Lucas and Noah.
I am so sorry for your loss but you have your wonderful memories!
Dear Jerry, John, Jim and family: Your father lived a full and rich life and was fortunate to be able to enjoy his beloved family and pursuits in his retirement years. One could ask for little more, to live to 95 and see great grandchildren at play. Although you will miss him, you may always retain fond memories, and carry on the legacy that he left behind. Sincerely, Mike Doyle
Dean, Your Grandfather lived a good and full life. He leaves many happy memories for you to hold on to. May Gods grace give you and your family peace. Susan
I HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH HERB FROM 1969 TO 1975. HIS ENTHUSIASM AND DEDICATION TO HIS JOB AND KRAFT WAS ALWAYS A DELIGHT.
We have the fondest memories of how Herb and Virginia touched our lives through and beyond Seattle First United Methodist Church.
Roses, raspberries, homemade jam and cookies, and meals after church with the “Breakfast Bunch.”
During the latter months of his life, Herb and Bob spoke frequently by telephone as Susan was ill and he offered his kind and caring support to him.
He was a true friend and we shall miss him deeply. We express our sincere condolences to his family.
Herb,It has been a pleasure knowing and working with you. Rest in peace – God bless.
Lou & Carol Fuqua
Our memories of Herb include hearty laughter, fun stories, and a beautiful flower garden. He certainly made the most of his life, touching so many people with his joy. Our hearts are with you, Jim, John and Jerry and your families. Much love to you all.
Ninety five years is special for all the memories that have been created. Knowing the Keppler family in my junior-senior high school days were special. love and prayers,
Hi Keppler brothers and wives,
I have many fond memories of both Herb and Virginia.
When you live to 95, you have many more memories than you can keep track of. I hope I can live to 95 because I’m sure those extra years for Herb were filled with family and friends.
Since many of Jim’s classmates are no longer in the Seattle area, I hope you don’t mind that I let a few know of Herb’s passing.
Always, Paulette
I am saddened by the death of Mr. Keppler. He always had an infectious smile on his face whenever Bill and I would see him. My prayers and thoughts to the family.
I have only the fondest memories of all the Keppler family when we were growing up.
My sincere condolences to Jim, John and Jerry. Your dad was a great guy.
David Nelson
Jim and family,
My sympathies to you and your family for your loss. I remember your parents, especially your dad for his kindness and humor. The last time I saw him was during the Georgetown Garden Walk a few years ago. He always had such beautiful roses. On that day he invited us into the back yard to see more of his roses and share a few raspberries right from the vine. I always remember him as happy and with a smile on his face. He was a wonderful gentleman.
A WONDERFUL MAN THAT STARTED A GREAT FAMILY.