Karl F Keppler III

Karl was born to Karl F. Keppler Junior and Gloria F. Keppler, in Mahwah, N.J. He spent his early childhood in Essex, NY, where his love of the outdoors was nurtured. Pictures abound of young Karl camping, canoeing, skiing, and hiking with his parents in the Adirondacks. He then moved to Topsfield, MA and graduated from Masconomet Regional High School in 1971. Karl went on to earn a BS from UMASS Amherst and a Masters in Forestry from Syracuse University.

Karl’s first “career” was in heavy equipment where he eventually became Vice President of Sales. During this time he resided in Hillsboro, NH, Roanoke, VA and Doylestown, PA. In the mid 1990s the entrepreneurial bug struck and he started and completed the process of McDonald’s Franchising. For many years he owned franchises in Scarborough, ME, eventually selling them and purchasing franchises in Hyannis, MA. Karl had an extremely strong work ethic which he shared with his employees. The most gratifying part of his time as a small business owner was mentoring young employees and encouraging them to move up the management ladder. Once selling his franchise in the mid aughts he took time off before embarking on his “last career” as a banker. He ended his banking career a little over a year ago and had settled nicely into retirement.

Karl was an avid walker, walking 6 miles a day, 6 days a week in all seasons. He enjoyed taking care of his beautiful home, cooking, listening to pod casts, reading both fiction and non fiction, watching his beloved New England sports teams, and spending time with family and friends. He loved the water and never hesitated to jump into the cold ocean, or icy river with his grandchildren. He was happiest when home with his wife, visiting with his step-daughter and grandson, visiting his daughter and granddaughters, and snuggling his beloved dog Stella. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a big heart.

Karl is survived by his beloved wife Helena Keppler of Cummaquid, MA, his daughter Heidi LaBate and son in law Jonathan of Burlington, VT and granddaughters Ruby and Sylvie LaBate of Burlington,VT, his step- daughter Victoria Corderio and grandson Greyson Cordeiro of North Falmouth, MA.

A celebration of Karl’s life will take place in the near future. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to the Boston Ronald McDonald House, 229 Kent Street, Brookline, MA 02446, or SCORE Cape Cod & the Islands capecod.score.org