Richard Kepplinger

Richard "Keppy" Kepplinger

Age 65 of Gardner, passed away April 2, 2013 at Morris Community Hospital. Born August 4, 1947 in Morris, Richard was the son of Milton and Iola Mathisen-Kepplinger. He was raised in Gardner, and graduated from Gardner-South Wilmington High School with the class of 1965 and received an Associate's Degree from Mt. Olivet in Kankakee. Richard and Donna Stadel were married February 6, 1976, and continued their entire married life in Gardner.

Richard was employed by RR Donnelley in Dwight for over 40 years, until retirement on August 31, 2010. He was an active member of The Church of Hope Presbyterian Church in Gardner. In Richard's free time he enjoyed many outdoor activities, including gardening, caring for animals, and was a diehard White Sox fan. He also enjoyed crossword puzzles and socializing with many friends. His dearest of all pleasures was playing with and watching his grandchildren in sports.

Survivors include: his wife Donna M. Kepplinger; three children: Shawna (Shane) Cuddy of Coal City, Kristi (Douglas) Phillips of South Wilmington, and Kevin Kepplinger of Hersher; six grandchildren: Layne Cuddy, Lance Cuddy, Landyn Phillips, Grady Phillips, Keaton Phillips and Victoria Kepplinger.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 5, 2013 between the hours of 5:00 and 8:00PM at The Church of Hope Presbyterian Church located at 202 North Monroe in Gardner, IL.

Funeral services will follow on Saturday, April 6th at 11:00AM in The Church of Hope Presbyterian Church with Pastor Janet M. Chandler officiating.

Private family inurnment will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery in Dwight. Shane Cuddy, Douglas Phillips, Rick Emanuelson, Michael Joyce, Vicki Harvey and Michael Shifflet will act as pallbearers. Richard's grandchildren will be honorary pallbearers.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Richard's memory to the family for distribution to charity's of their choosing.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Gardner (815/237-2526)