Anthony J Hepp

Anthony John Hepp, age 96, of Northglenn, Colorado died on February 21, 2011 from renal failure. Anthony was born September 16, 1914 in Schoenchen, Kansas. He was born to Nicholas Hepp (a Volga German immigrant) and Dorothea Bieker (a first generation descendent of Volga German immigrants). Anthony was baptized at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen.

His wife, Josephine, his parents, his three sisters and three brothers; and one foster child, two sons-in-law, one daughter-in law, preceded Anthony in death.

He is survived by eleven paternal children: Jim, Jeanette, Nick, Gary, Paulette, Linda, Chuck, Sam, Nancy, John, Tony, one adopted foster child: Jon, two foster children: Michelle, Lisa; thirty-six grandchildren, fifty great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren, one sister, Catherine, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Anthony, at a very young age, worked as a field laborer with his parents and seven siblings in various states, to include Wisconsin and other neighboring states. He moved to Colorado with his family from Kansas in 1926. They lived in Denver for a few years, then settled in Brighton. He completed the 8th grade in Brighton. It is told that in their move to Colorado from Kansas all 10 family members piled into their only Ford car along with all of their belongings of food and clothing…

While living in Denver he was a member of the Annunciation Catholic Church, he was confirmed on April 29, 1928; and, he served as Altar Boy.

During his early teenage years living in Denver he and his cousin sold newspapers at various corners on “Larimer” street. He, as well, made deliveries of the newspapers. One particular “wealthy, well known customer” was “Baby” Doe Tabor… Her story from extreme wealth and living it lavishly, to poverty to having died frozen, left an indelible mark on Anthony that he many times shared with his children…

Anthony served in the Civil Conservation Corp. After he returned home from the CCC’s, he began his working life with the Union Pacific Railroad. While working for UPR, he married his sweetheart Josephine VonFeldt on July 4, 1938. They were married for 72 years and one week at the time of her death. In their youth, they loved polka dancing and its music, and country-western music of the early to mid-1900.

After Anthony terminated his employment with the Union Pacific Railroad, he went to work for Remington Arms, a participant in the production of the atomic bomb released on Japan. Dad, with Uncle Ned (Ignatius) VonFeldt, when sent by Remington Arms to New Jersey to work on the special project, knew it was TOP SECRET work, but had no idea it was toward the building of the atomic bomb.

From 1938 through 1944, they lived in Denver and Lakewood. During this period, they were given the gifts of their first three children: James, Jeanette and Nicholas.

From 1944 – 1962 Anthony and Josephine mostly lease farmed, and increased their family to 11 children: Gary, Paulette, Linda, Chuck, Sam, Nancy, John, Tony. Most of his farming was in the Brighton and Hudson areas. Early 1950’s, they owned and operated a small grocery and liquor store, with gas and residential rentals in Henderson, Colorado. Being ambitious and feeling the farm was a better life style for their large family, they returned to it.

In the late 40’s, through the Catholic Church sponsorship program, he and Josie sponsored Vera, a woman from Lithuania. Vera lost her entire family, husband and children, in World War II. She was classified as a “displaced person”. She lived with us about 18 months; communicated for a short while; then married again, and then ceased all communications.

In 1963, Anthony returned to the retail business. About 1970, he sold out and then serviced the Erie Public Schools until he retired in 1979.

Around 1970, having a lot of love for parenting, he and Josie took into their home a beautiful little girl as a foster child, Lisa. Enjoying and loving Lisa, their hearts further expanded to take into their lives, her 3 siblings: Michael, Michelle, and Jon. These children have given Anthony and Josephine 10 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, included in the above information.

Anthony was always a great example to his children for his love of Jesus and the Blessed Mother and of the poor. He loved his Catholic faith… and going to mass was a great enjoyment until his death. He will always be remembered as a good family man. Words cannot say enough. Rest in peace our loved one. Be with God and without pain.

Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Monday, February 28 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 3141 West 96th Ave., Westminster, CO 80031-2714. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 1. Luncheon will follow with Interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 12801 W 44th Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: St. Mark’s Food Bank for the poor.