Richard “Rich” Kepner, 69, of St. Joseph, MI, passed away Monday, May 16, 2016 at his home.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday, May 19, 2016 at Grace Lutheran Church, 404 E. Glenlord Rd., in St. Joseph with Pastor Glenn Rosebaum officiating. Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church or Michigan Lutheran High School, 615 E. Marquette Woods Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085. Those wishing to sign Rich’s guestbook may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
Rich was born to Frank and Virginia (Stouffer) Kepner on June 20, 1946 in Benton Harbor, MI and was a lifelong area resident. On December 10, 1977 he married Connie Rotter in Bridgman and the two of them started their life and family together. Rich was a lifelong businessman, Rich owned and operated Precision Auto Krafters in Benton Harbor for over 50 years where he took great pride in being able to help his customers.
Though he loved his business and customers, his true passion was his family. He was involved in all of their activities, even serving on the Board of Michigan Lutheran High School where he started the annual fundraising golf outing. Rich’s appreciation for automobiles was also evident in his personal life, he was one of the original members of The Corvette Club of Southwest Michigan.
Rich is survived by his wife Connie; his children Kari (Jesse) Holmes of Eau Claire, Ryan (Kimberly) Kepner of Eau Claire, and John Kepner of Belleville, MI.; grandchildren Layla and Lydia Holmes and Katelyn & Alex Kepner; sister Lynda (Clifton) Kepner Adams of St. Joseph.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Mike Kepner; and son Frank Kepner