Obituary of Theodore Keppers

Theodore (Ted) Keppers, 85, passed away with his 5 children and his wife by his side in the early evening of May 27, 2021.

Ted Keppers was born on May 30, 1935 to Lewis and Martha Keppers. He grew up in Duluth and graduated from Denfeld High School in 1954, where he met the love of his life Janice Dahlen. They fell madly in love and married on November 26, 1955 at St. James Catholic Church.

Ted enjoyed being a family man. He raised his 5 children in a small house in Riverside and his favorite times were spent with his growing family of 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He had a great sense of humor and was always joking and laughing, enjoying life to the fullest.

Ted was also a true outdoorsman. He loved spending time at his cabin on Island Lake, and was well-known for his pontoon boat rides to “Bear Island” or the Dam, where he would wear his captain’s hat and let all the kids drive the boat while sitting on his lap. His time outdoors made him a central member of the Keppers hunting shack, where he hunted with his children and grandchildren.

He enjoyed traveling with his family and visited all 50 states and several countries in Europe, often travelling with all five children and camping in tents.

He attended Mass every Sunday at St. James Catholic Church, where he also served as an usher until the COVID-19 pandemic made it unsafe to do so. While at home, he would then watch Mass on TV. He prayed before meals and led his family in prayer before large gatherings. He had an unshakable faith in God and everlasting life in heaven.

He was a member of the West Duluth Kiwanis Club and volunteered making pancakes at fundraisers, served food at Salvation Army, read to preschool children, and helped award scholarships to local youth.

He loved and could fix any machine/car. Neighbors and friends would often bring their lawnmowers, snowblowers, mini bikes, boat motors, and vehicles to ask Ted’s advice or hire him to fix it. He also owned his own classic cars and was a frequent participant in local car shows.

Ted worked for ISD 709 as a janitor, lawn crew maintenance worker, bus driver, assistant transportation supervisor and Head transportation supervisor, and upon his retirement, continued to drive as a substitute bus driver for several years, dedicating more than 50 years working for the Duluth Public Schools.

Ted served his country in the Air National Guard as a crypto specialist from 1953-1960. Many years later, when Ted was awakening from a heart surgery and unable to speak, he tapped out I love you to his wife, Janice, in Morse Code on the palm of her hand.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Martha Keppers, his brothers, George and Lewis Jr. Keppers, and his sisters Rose Marie (Tootsie) Briggs, Katherine Keppers, and Mary Watczak.

He is survived by his wife of more than 65 years, Janice Keppers, his children David (Jill) Keppers, Tina (Denny) Sauter, Susie (Rick) Borich, Tim (Renee) Keppers, and Linda (John) Puglisi, and his 15 grandchildren and 20 great- grandchildren - with one more on the way due in July 2021.

Ted’s family would like to thank Jennifer and all the staff from St. Luke’s hospice along with Dr. Alkaeid and staff for their excellent care and support during his long battle with cancer.

Funeral service will be held in August. An announcement will be posted.