Frederick Monroe Hepler

Frederick Monroe Hepler (January 26th, 1940 - July 14th, 2020) Frederick (Fritz) Monroe Hepler died peacefully on July 14th, 2020 from complications related to Parkinson's. He was 80 years old. Fritz was born in Mishawaka, IN and raised in Bremen, IN. He was predeceased by his parents Dallas and Edith Louise (née Knoblock) Hepler and his brother Dr. James Hepler of Sacramento, CA. He is survived by his sister Mary Ginther of Elkhart, IN; his wife of 57 years, Sharon (née Schlatter) Hepler of Leo-Cedarville, IN; his children and their spouses Sigurd and Victoria (née Rose) Hepler of Clarkston, MI; Samuel Hepler of New York City; Hannelies and Austin Hartman of Martinsville, IN; Stuart Hepler of Leo-Cedarville, IN; Soleil York of Ft. Wayne, IN; and ten grandchildren. Fritz graduated from Bremen High School and attended Indiana University. He majored in music and was a member of the Singing Hoosiers. He graduated in 1963 with a B.M in education and subsequently completed graduate studies at the University of Michigan. While at IU, Fritz met and married Sharon. Since 1968 they have resided at Sharon’s family home in Leo-Cedarville. Throughout their many years of Christian ministry, the Homestead became a haven for “the least of these…” Fritz was also involved with Prison Fellowship and throughout his life remained an advocate for offenders and ex-offenders alike. For several years Fritz was the high school choral director at Carroll High School in Ft. Wayne, IN. Throughout his career he was involved in music and worship in a variety of churches in the Ft. Wayne area including Calvary Temple and the First Baptist Church (Ft. Wayne Baptist Church) and taught private voice and piano lessons. In addition to teaching, Fritz was also an avid composer. He produced several musicals locally and wrote numerous songs including an original collection of “Christmas Card Carols” that were recorded by his children and the pianist, Stephen Walley. A memorial service will be held at a later date and internment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be given to Prison Fellowship and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.