Obituary of George Mathew Keppers

George Mathew Keppers, 84, of Duluth, died on April 7, 2016 in Duluth. George was born on Dec. 14, 1931 in Minneapolis. He attended Denfeld High School as did his high school sweetheart Violet "Vi" graduating in 1950. In February of 1951 he joined the Air Force with his brother, Lewis, serving as an aircraft mechanic. He married Vi on Dec. 28, 1951 living in Amarillo, Texas and Las Vegas, Nev., during his four years in the Air Force. After returning to Duluth, he worked at International Harvester before settling into a long career with the City of Duluth Water & Gas Department, retiring in 1991. George and Vi raised their family in Duluth's Lakeside neighborhood spending many summer days on camping trips in an old converted school bus. They moved to a home on Jacobs Lake shortly after retirement where George enjoyed giving pontoon boat rides to their many guests. George is preceded in death by Violet (Jackson), his loving wife of 57 years; his parents Lewis and Martha (Merdan) Keppers; sisters Katherine Keppers, Mary (Frank) Watczak, Rose Marie (Briggs) Murrel and daughter-in-law Donna Keppers. He is survived by his eight children: Jim Keppers, Jon Keppers, Jarry (DeEtta) Keppers, Jody (Bonnie) Keppers, Jeff (Marcie) Keppers, Jena (Brad) Hart, Jennifer (Greg) Kriske and Julie Beauregard and grandchildren: Joel, Rachel, Amanda, Justin, Ben, Giorgi, Karli, Delaney, Eric, Caroline, Michelle and Micheal. He is also survived by brothers Lewis (Ruth) Keppers and Ted (Jan) Keppers of Duluth, as well as many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend gratitude to the staff of Diamond Willow, Benedictine Health Center and Marywood for the kindness they showed caring for our father during the years after he suffered a massive stroke. GATHERING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS: 9 a.m. until the 10 a.m. memorial service on Saturday, May 14, 2016 in Cremation Society of Minnesota 4100 Grand Ave. Duluth. Military Honors will be provided by the Duluth Honor Guard. Services entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota 218-624-5200