Ernest M Hepler

Ernest M. Hepler, devoted husband to Dorothy P. Hepler, died Thursday, October 12, 2017. Ernest and Dorothy were married for 60 years. Better known as Ernie, he enjoyed the friendship of many and was well regarded for his interest in just about everything including the people that he met at their Brookdale Pinecrest home. Ernie was a very technical, hands-on chemical engineer who had specialized in design and installation of industrial processing equipment used for plastics, rubber, laminates and adhesives. Employed initially with 3M Company, he retired from TC Manufacturing in 1996. Part of Ernie's legacy will remain the contributions he made at each of his employers including anti corrosion tape used for the Alaskan Pipeline installation. In his retirement years, Ernie kept his mind working, focusing on computers and stock trading. Retirement also provided for more family time with son, Steven M. Hepler of Austin, TX; daughter, Merrilee Hepler of Highland Park, IL (and spouse Thomas G. Sandercock) as well as grand-daughters, Brecon L. Riley and Jessica L. Riley, both of Chicago, IL. Born in Manhattan, KS March 27, 1930, Ernie was the eldest of four siblings. He is survived by his sister Wilma Wooden of Rosemont, MN and his brother Wayne C Hepler of Jefferson City, MO. Sister Irene Smith of Iola, KS preceded him in death. Ernie, as husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, brother and friend will be sorely missed for his intellect, loyalty, and devotion to everything and everyone. Services will be held at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, Florida, 33770, on October 27, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Suncoast Hospice Foundation, www.suncoasthospicefoundation.org or 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL, 33760. Condolences may be offered at www.serenityfuneralhomelargo.com.