HEPPERLE, Donald E. 1930-2017

HEPPERLE, HEMPHILL

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 2/24/2019 at 17:38:14

Donald Eugene Hepperle, 86, of Ames, Iowa, formerly of Reinbeck, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at the Accura Healthcare of Ames. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at the French-Hand Funeral Home in Reinbeck. Burial will follow at the Reinbeck Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 24, 2017 at the French-Hand Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Don was born on October 6, 1930 in Sodtown, Iowa. He was the son of John and Erma (Hemphill) Hepperle. He was raised in Reinbeck and graduated from the Reinbeck High School in the class 1948. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Don was honorably discharged from the United States Army. He worked as a machinist for John Deere and a sandblaster for Pittsburg Steel until his retirement in 1992.

Upon his retirement, Don began traveling abroad to the Philippines and Mexico, doing missionary work and animal ecology interests, with an advanced specialty in Herpetology and Lepidoptery. He enjoyed raising show pigeons, fishing and raccoon hunting with his dogs. Don was a very faithful member of the Christian Church. His true joy in life came from sharing his interests and exotic adventures.

Don is survived by his children Rita, Shelia, Molly, Daniel, Joe, Randy and Lisa; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren and nephews John and Steve. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Melvin; his daughter Elizabeth and his children's mother.

--Abels Funeral Homes (www.abelsfuneralhomes.com)