Charles A. Hepner

Charles A. Hepner, 96, of Bucyrus died Monday, August 19, 2013 at the Inn at Orchard Park.

Chuck was born on July 27, 1917 in Cleveland to the late Charles R. and Anna (Kindinger) Hepner. He grew up in Cleveland and attended school at Collinwood High School. One Sunday, he was introduced to Bernice M. Steiger from Detroit. The two shared a long distance relationship until October 27, 1940 when they were married. A short time later, Chuck enlisted in the US Navy and following his time in the service, he returned to Cleveland where he received his GED and went on to graduate from Wilcox College. His family moved to Bucyrus in the 1960's and he worked as an accountant at Galion Dresser until retiring in 1982.

Chuck was an adventurous individual who was full of life. He and Bee loved traveling and even had the opportunity to visit his son and family in Papua New Guinea. They were former members of Good Hope Lutheran and First Alliance Church where he enjoyed singing in the choirs and was currently at the Bucyrus Bible Church where he was a former treasurer and board member. Chuck and Bee also served on the Child Evangelism Board and he was formerly a Boy Scout and Scout Master.

He was a very athletic and competitive person who lived for the next challenge. Chuck had played on a semi-pro football team and enjoyed bowling, playing tennis and golf. His family remembers many fun battles of Othello, Chess and Battleship and Chuck never opened a new jigsaw puzzle until completing one. He enjoyed going to amusement parks and was still riding roller coasters at 70. Chuck was an avid Cleveland Browns and Indians fan. He watched his Tribe play at their three stadiums, League Park, Cleveland Stadium and Jacobs Field with his last attended game being at the age of 90.

Chuck spent many years fishing the lakes of Ohio, Michigan and Canada but his favorite times were spent attending events that his family participated in and working on his model trains. Both giving him years of enjoyment.

Chuck is survived by three children, Chuck (Lynn) Hepner and Mark (Carol) Hepner, both of Bucyrus, and Sandy (Gary) Ogle of North Robinson; seven grandchildren, Jennifer (Nate) Roshon, Chris (Berdina) Hepner, Charlie (Erin) Hepner, Michael Hepner, Katie Hepner, Annie Ogle and Becky (Marc) Collier; three great-grandchildren, Will and Michael Collier and Evelyn Hepner and a fourth soon to arrive.

He is reunited in Heaven with his parents; his wife of 72 years, Bee; a brother, Eugene Hepner who died at a young age and two sisters, Ruth Steinert and Virginia Melchert.

The Hepner family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Friday, August 23 at Wise Funeral Service. His funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Bucyrus Bible Church with Pastor David Layton officiating. Burial will follow in Crawford County Memory Gardens where full military rites will be provided by the American Legion Post 181 and US Navy Honor Guards.

Memorial contributions may be given to Wycliffe Bible Translators through the funeral home. Memories are encouraged to be shared in a post below.



Visitation:

Friday, August 23, 2013 5-8 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:

Saturday, August 24, 2013 10:30 a.m.

Bucyrus Bible Church, 2151 Ohio 19, Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Cemetery:

Crawford County Memory Gardens, 6592 Old Lincoln Highway, Crestline, Ohio 44827