Dixie A Kerper

Dixie Anne White Kerper, a devoted wife, sister, mother of 4, grandmother of 14 and great grandmother of 9, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on October 19, 1938, in Worthington, Iowa, to Calistus "Pete" and Bernadette White, Dixie lived a life defined by faith, family, and service to others.

A proud Registered Nurse, Dixie began her career at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa. Her commitment to her profession led her to earn her BSN from Samford University later in life. On August 27, 1960, she married the love of her life, Duane "Duey" Kerper, after being set up on a blind date by their dear friend, Fr. Ernest "Ernie" Engler.

The Kerpers’ journey took them from Iowa to Milwaukee, Phoenix, San Rafael and Concord, California, and Vienna, Virginia, before they settled in Hoover, Alabama, in 1974. Dixie was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church for over 50 years, where she was an active member of the Ladies Guild. Between 2000 and 2022, she and Duey also enjoyed their winter home in Sun City Grand, Arizona.

Dixie was a woman of many talents and passions. She was an expert at the sewing machine and in the kitchen, famous for her baking. She enjoyed the competitive spirit of bridge, dominoes, bowling, golf, and tennis. Since 1981, her favorite retreat was Lake Mitchell, where countless memories were made. Dixie and Duey traveled the world on cruises and other tours, often accompanied by Jerry and Phyllis Spahn, and fulfilled a lifelong dream with a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2019. One of her most cherished memories was an Alaskan cruise in 2010 to celebrate their 50th anniversary with her children, their spouses, and Fr. Ernie.

In 2020, Dixie and Duey moved to the Galleria Woods community, where they enjoyed new friendships. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dixie’s caregivers—Natasha Turner, Devoria Watts, and Tomiko Knight—for their unwavering kindness and 24/7 care following her accident in early 2024.

Dixie was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Loras (Mary T) and Monty White; brother-in-law Jared Spahn; daughter Elizabeth Kerper Heinzman; and granddaughter Angela Kerper Charlton.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Duey; siblings Judy (John) Jurgiel, Phyllis Spahn, Mike (Gina) White, Terry (Joyce) White, and Casey White; her children Anne (Lewis) Hitt, John (Kimberly) Kerper, and Timothy (Tracie) Kerper; 13 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be held on Monday, May 11, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Hoover, AL. with visitation beginning at 10:30 am and the Funeral at 12:00 pm, inurnment following. A meal will follow in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church.