Junior Louis Keppen, 76, of Syracuse, went to be with his Lord Feb. 8, 2013, after a gallant battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 5, 1936, in Lena, Ill.., to Louis Herman and Althea Ferguson Keppen. His wife, Viola Eileen, survives. He lived in the Syracuse/North Webster area for the last 57 years. He graduated from Lena High School in 1934 and from Oakland Community College, Magna Cum Laude, in applied sciences, in 1990. He worked as a robotics and manufacturing engineer at Dana Corp. from 1958 until his retirement in 1996. After retirement he worked for several years at both Jayco and Horizon Transport delivering RVs until his final retirement in 2006. He was active in international missionary ministries and Wycliff Bible Translators. He and Viola opened their home to many exchange students throughout their years together. He was a member of North Webster Church of God, where he regularly volunteered as an usher. He also served as a volunteer EMS driver for Kosciusko County. He was an avid Ham Radio operator and enjoyed traveling, motorcycling, flying planes, driving trucks and was an enthusiastic tinkerer/builder/designer. He always had the capacity of seeing the good in everyone and make others laugh. His example leaves a Kingdom legacy for all that loved him and called him a friend. Also surviving are a son, Jay (and spouse Mc’Chell) Keppen, Woodstock, Ill.; four grandchildren: Scott Benson; Justin (and spouse Kelly) Keppen; Michael (and spouse Katie) Keppen; and Kristen (and spouse Jarrod) Heffelfinger; eight great-grandchildren; multiple foster children; many nieces and nephews; and a sister, Betty Thill. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donald Keppen. A celebration of his life will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at North Webster Church of God with Pastor Jeff Boyer officiating. ***** Memorials may be made to Church of God Ministries of Anderson, Ind.; Wycliffe Bible Translators; or The Gideons International.
