Elwood L. Kepler, 75, passed away on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Methodist Hospital, Merriville.
Born on June 17, 1947 he was the son of Emmanuel and Hazel (Pelkey) Kepler. He attended Plymouth High School graduating with the class of 1966.
Elwood worked for Honeywell for most of his life. From fuel control assembly, to the brake division and finally for Allied Signal rebuilding missile control before retiring in 1998.
He was known as an easy going, fun loving but somewhat ornery man that would give his shirt off of his back to anyone. Most would say that he never knew a stranger. His children would tell you that he would respect everyone that he encountered. His work ethic was one of his strongest attributes that they would love to carry on.
Elwood played the drums in a country music band called Crystal Canyon and enjoyed just about every style of dancing.
He is survived by his children: Alan (Kelly) Kepler of Ft. Wayne; Jacqueline Kepler of Mishawaka; Samantha (Kenneth) Lynd of Bourbon; nieces: Jennifer (Allen) Foote of Florida; Barbara (Mitchell) Porter of Oklahoma; 10 grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Carol Thomas.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022 from 11-1 pm at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. Funeral services will immediately follow with Life Celebrant James Smart officiating.
Burial will take place in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 681405, Indianapolis, IN 46268.
Karen Curtis says
Woody..I thought you would live forever..I will love you always my b.f.f. ..rest high on that mountain..Sincere sympathies to your family and friends .May the memories of the Amazing man you were get them through the days ahead 😘
Jacqueline Kepler says
Thank you Karen!! For everything. He loved your friendship. He talked about you. ❤️
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder says
With sympathy to the family of Woody Kepler.
Ren Van Gilder, Class of 1966, and Beverly Van Gilder
Bruce & Patsy Myers says
Always enjoyed talking to him when he came into our restaurant, PJ’S Cafe in Bourbon. Always easy going and always had a kind word. Our Prayers go out to the family and asking God for comfort and strength to get through this trying times. RIP my friend.
John Heyneman says
Alan… sorry for your loss… Mary and I will be keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Joy Ensch says
Woody, you will be so missed…you were loved by so many, and we will never forget the fun we had, and all the laughs we shared over the years….Heartfelt condolences for the family…
John & Martha Stutsman says
Woody was a great and grand friend, both from the community and from our shared work experiences. His humor and way of lifting your spirits was legendary. He will be SO VERY missed.
Teresa Ruckman says
So sorry for this loss. Prayers for you and your family. His picture shows so much personality
DaNay Chandler says
I am so sorry for the family. Woody was a good man. We talked on and off. I keep remembering him saying he wasn’t ready to die, but I bet he is happy now. RIP Woody the turmoil is over. Love ya!
Shari Ray says
Samantha & Family: My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this most difficult time in your lives. “Woody” was a kind, funny and gentle giant. He was a large part of our American Legion Post Gang — we were family. He will be greatly missed.
Love and Hugs….
Shari Ray
Samantha Lynd says
Thank you Shari!
He loves you all very much.
Pat Stephenson Davis says
Woody was a wonderful friend who will be missed so very very much. He was loved by so many, including myself. He will never be forgotten. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.
Jane harden says
My prayers are going out to all of his family. Although I haven’t seen windy since I was a child, we started reconnecting. He’s my first cousin. Rest easy cuz
Evanlinda Serrato says
Woody I miss you dearly we try a few to meet up. But just never could get it done. Guess God has other plans so see you in Heaven one dsas we always said to each others..I’ll be waiting for your next invite out❌️❤️🙌✝️😄till then Rest sweetie see ya later 😘
Suzann Doran says
So sorry for your loss. I was a fb friend but we agreed to have a slow dance when we both made it to post 241. I hope he dances i heaven ❤️
Marcia Stanley says
I am so sorry for the Kepler familey, Woody was a special person. I would love to be there, but unable to attend Fri morning. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Samantha Lynd says
Marcia
Thank you so much.
Dad very much loved you and the friendship he had with you and Dan.
Cindy Leonard says
Woody, I will miss you! You were loved!
Jacqueline Kepler says
Thank you everyone for your kind words about our father. He was a wonderful man. He always told us about the friends he had made. How you have all lovingly became family. Supported him. Accepted him. And loved him. So I, thank YOU, ALL, for loving our father as much as we did. Thank you!
Elise Hylander says
I am so sorry to hear the loss of such a good man. I know God give him wings to fly. I will never forget how sweet this man was.
Never complained and always happy. You will truly be missed .
Fly high in heaven Woody.
Love you ❤️ you were a great friend
Cheryl Carnahan says
I am so sorry for your loss. A great polite man with a loving heart.
Peggy Fisher says
My deepest condolences to Woody’s family. I have known Woody since we were kids. Such a good guy and Woody you will be missed. It was always good chatting with you, and we will chat again someday. Until then, rest in peace my friend. 😇
Phyllis mcclure says
My Deepest sympathy to Woody’s family known him a long time from being around him at the American Legion dances he was a super nice and caring man !!!
Missy says
Sam and Ken we at Den Mar are so sorry for your loss. We enjoyed Woody coming in and chatting. I enjoyed my walks in the neighborhood with my kids and we would stop and chat with him while he was outside. He was the kindest person ever and he will be deeply missed around here.
Samantha Lynd says
Missy
Thank you very much!
Dad loved coming to the shop not only because he knew his car would be fixed the right way but also because he was treated as family there. He really enjoyed his talked with you all.
Laura Gerber says
Oh Woody you were a very special part of my life and memories. I loved being on your arm at my senior prom and dancing with you on television. I enjoyed the later years when we reconnected. You have gone too soon. You will always be in my heart and have my love.
Kathy Tracy says
I am truly sorry for the loss of a wonderful man. He truly loved his family.
I am so sorry I was not able to attend services today due to health reasons. My thoughts and prayers are with all.
He will always be my Uncle Woody.
Love,
Kathy and Jeff
Paul whetstone says
I wanted to send this to the family. Woody was a good man . He was a good guy and friend . You could talk to him. I knew him for years. He will be missed
Connie Manns Assistant Manager says
I am truly sorry for your loss. Woodie was a wonderful man. He would walk the the lobby here at Super 8 and flash me that wonderful smile and say “good morning”. Then we would talk for a little bit about how things were going with his house. I sure missed his smile when he was finally able to go home.
Rest in peace dear Woodie.
donna cole says
Woody was out neighbor for years. Lived on walnut street. We lived on center. So sorry to hear of his passing. God bless his family.
Harry E. Kepler says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who feel the loss of Woody. He was a great man who cared about family and friends and spoke of and on them with me, whether it was on phone or via email. He worried so for their future, I pray for all of them. He is with Slim and Hazel now and I am sure visiting all his Uncles and Aunts, should be one heck of a party, with music and dancing!
Thanks Woody for helping me though some rough times!
barbara barnes says
RIP my dear friend
Ruby says
Woody came into my life when i needed a dear sweet friend and he will always have a special place in my heart! The crazy pandemic lockdowns stopped our visits then i moved to California by my son. He was kind, loving, wise and fun loving and i will always treasure our time together. My deepest sympathies to his family who he loved you all so dearly.
Ruby