Harry Willard Keppeler

Harry W. Keppeler, Ph.D. passed away quietly on Nov. 23, 2016 at Regency Wenatchee Rehabilitation and Nursing Center after a short hospitalization. The family wishes to thank the doctor and staff for the gracious care. Harry was born Aug. 5, 1924 in Edgerton, Ohio. He graduated from Edgerton High School and worked as a carpenter until drafted into the army during WWII. He served as an MP in the Philippines until the war ended. He attended Heidelberg College after his army discharge, graduating with a degree in Horticulture in 1951, where he also served as President of the Tower Men and enjoyed athletics in Basketball, Track and Field. Harry was honored to sit at the same table as General (later President) Eisenhower when Eisenhower visited Heidelberg College. During college, Harry met his future wife, Betty E. Berry. Betty and Harry married in 1952, and opened the Green Thumb Floral and Garden Center in Wooster, Ohio. Harry and Betty owned the Green Thumb for 10 years. In 1956, their daughter, Kristina Keppeler, was born, their only child. Harry decided to go back to school, so they sold the Green Thumb and moved with their cats, dog and horses to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Harry completed his Masters degree in Horticulture and the family with its 4 legged menagerie moved again to Haslett, Michigan. Harry was a teaching assistant while completing his Ph.D. in Horticulture at Michigan State. A teaching job position at Wenatchee Valley College opened up in 1967 soon after Harry received his Ph.D. The family along with 2 horses and one dog moved across the country in December and settled in Wenatchee. Harry taught at WVC for 12 years before retiring. Harry was also very handy and put his knowledge of carpentry to work by building not one, but two of the family houses in Wenatchee. In addition, he hand crafted furniture for the homes. During his retirement, he continued his love of horticulture by tending 8 rows of blueberries, many fruit trees and a large vegetable garden. Known as the "blueberry man", he sold his blueberries at the local Farmers Market for several years. He loved classical music and singing. He was a proud member of the Presbyterian choir and Columbia Chorale for many years. He was preceded in death by all of his 5 brothers. He's survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty Keppeler, his daughter, Kris Keppeler and many family and personal friends. In lieu of a memorial service, the family asks contributions be made in Harry's name at the Wenatchee Humane Society or Animal Shelter. You are invited to view his online guestbook at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com . Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Harry Willard Keppeler

August 5, 1929 - November 23, 2016