August 5, 1930 - August 17, 2018
With heavy hearts, the family wishes to announce that Fern Keppler passed away peacefully at the Edmonton General Hospice on Friday, August 17, 2018 at the age of 88.
Fern was pre- deceased by her loving husband of almost 66 years, Hank, on January 15, 2017, parents Robert and Dolly, brothers Walter and Harry, and is survived by brothers George and Floyd. Fern will be lovingly remembered and missed by her children, Shannon, Kurt (Arlene), Paul (Susan), and Kerry (John). Shannon's children Sean (Samantha) and their four, Sarah (Oliver) and their four; Kurt's children Joshua (Kash) and their child, Jared; Paul's children, Randy (Virginia) and their three, Richard (Kirstin) and their two, David (Alison) and their child, Stephen (Jaclyn); Kerry's children Adrienne (Dennis) and their three, Andrew (Keely) and their two, step-son Brian (Irene) and their two. Eight grandsons, one step-grandson, two granddaughters, and twenty great grandchildren and two step great grandchildren, What a lecacy. Also left to mourn are her sisters-in law, many nieces and nephews and extended family.
Fern was born and educated in Stettler Alberta, and moved to Peace River from the family farm south of Botha in 1950 with her two younger brothers Harry and Floyd, to join brothers Walter and George who were working in Peace River. She married the love of her life Hank Keppler, in March 1951, and they moved to Prince George the following year with their baby daughter and Fern's two younger brothers in tow. Fern was a professional home maker and also worked alongside her husband operating a retail grocery store in Prince George. They built their first home, paying for it board by board all the while raising four children whom they taught by example to be honest, respectful, loyal to family and friends, generous, and hard working. Fern was devoted to her family. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, and canning. Her hobbies included, bowling, golf, curling, bridge, scrabble, and crib, and she also loved dancing in her earlier years, especially the jive. She enjoyed watching all sports but especially enjoyed the Blue Jays, the Canucks, and the Montreal Canadiens.
After many years of living in Prince George, Hank and Fern decided it was time to move to a warmer climate, so moved and built a home in Merritt B.C. Their daily routine consisted of two games of crib with their morning coffee, scrabble in the afternoon and playing bridge whenever they could find partners. They decided to move to Edmonton after 12 years in Merritt, to be closer to family.
Fern fought heart disease courageously over the past 14 years.
Fern, Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, was practical, down to earth, loving and accepting. She was always positive regardless of the situation. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 31, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Marriott Hotel, Prince George, B.C. Reception to follow with interment of ashes at the Prince George Cemetery after the tea. We wish to acknowledge Assman's Funeral Services for the Prince George arrangements.
We would like to thank the staff at the Misericordia Hospital, and the staff at the Edmonton General Hospice, where Fern comfortably spent the last days of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the Edmonton General Hospice.