Married and devoted 65 years to our beautiful mom Magdaline. George immigrated to this country in the early 50's after his family was forced out of Budapest, Hungary, Austria, and Germany, ending up in Cleveland, OH. He went to work for Hupp Corporation soon after arriving in Cleveland, faithfully working there until retirement. George was a US Army Veteran, and worked hard to raise seven kids. He hustled every day to pay for our college educations (in cash). All his children worked hand in hand with him picking apples in Chesterland, OH, "Hawking" golf balls and black berries in the woods off of Orchard Hills Golf course and Landscaping in Shaker Heights. Many people of all nationalities and color that called him "Friend". George was a Past President and Devoted member of the Chesterland Lions Club and Hungarian Club. He organized many Georgian Bay and Lake Onaping Fishing Trips that served as his vehicle to council many men on how to be a good provider, husband, and father as well as fisherman. No golf outings stand up to the way George organized and hosted (after Golf dinner and awards) at our house for The Hupp Corporation and The Lions Club. He enjoyed Garcia-Vega Stogies, The 7" Rapala, Fan of Lee Trevino, Windsor Canadian, Crown Royal (on special occasions), Strohs Beer, Hungarian Goulash and Paprikash. He taught us that competition is OK. It brings out the best in us! Anyone that knew George knows that he had a competitive spirit 2nd to none (especially at golf, fishing, pinochle, Poker, or Skip-Bo). Was he perfect? No....but he taught his family to live life to the fullest, celebrate accomplishments, and have EXTREME Passion and Devotion for work, family, friends, your community, your heritage and the United States of America. He would be the first to stand up and say that we live in the best country in the World. Well done DAD! We salute you! We wish you great walleye, pike, and Muskie fishing in Heaven (with Uncle Martin and Uncle John naturally). We hope you don't miss any two-foot putts in heaven. Don't be selling coffee and golf balls to all the people in heaven either! Love you always! Rest in Peace! George is survived by his wife Magdaline Keppler; children Magdaline (Sam) Thomas, George (Heidi), Mary Katherine (Wayne) Chmielewski, Rose (Gerard) Blaszczak, Mike (Lisa), Barb (Brian) Wilcom, and Robert (Kim); 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren (& three more on the way!); and sister Kathy Keppler. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Katherine Keppler; sister Rose Durr; and brother Martin Keppler. Friends may call at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Rd., Chesterland on Friday 4-8 pm. (Masks required and social distancing observed.) Livestreamed Private Funeral Service 10:00 am, Saturday, March 20, 2021 can be viewed at www.gattozziandson.com Private Interment Western Reserve Memorial Gardens, in Chesterland. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in George’s name may be made to Chardon Healthcare Center, 620 Water St., Chardon, OH 44024.
