Harold L Keppner

Harold L. Keppner Jr (88) formerly of Lombard, passed away peacefully at his home in Galena on September 18, 2026, with his long-time friend and family by his side after fighting a courageous battle with throat cancer and then liver cancer.

He attended York High School and Roosevelt Military Academy before earning a wrestling scholarship for Illinois State University.

He was a lifetime pipe fitter, beginning his journey working for his grandfather 4 days a week learning the trade while attending Washburn Trade School in Chicago on Fridays for 5 years. He completed his apprenticeship in May, 1962 and worked for two heating companies before he started his own, Keppner Heating & Piping in May, 1974.

He married Judy Keppner in 1961. They lived in a small garden apartment before he built their dream home in Lombard where they raised their four kids. In the late 70’s, they bought land in the Galena Territory and he built his family a fun summer home where he eventually retired.

As pipefitting took its toll on Harold physically, he shifted gears and sold his business after 16 years. Using his years of experience and incredible knowledge, he was asked by the College of Dupage to teach Intro to Hydronics for 15 years while simultaneously making a successful career in Outside Sales at Control’d Engineering, and then Porter Pipe and Supply in Addison for 30 years before retiring at 85 years young. His kids would often ask him, “Dad, why don’t you retire?” His response was, “when you love what you do, it’s not work.” And Dad absolutely loved working at Porter Pipe!

He is survived by his children, Kurt (Leeann), Kelli (John) Pope, Kerri (Tom) Conway, & Karla (Bill) Bruce. Adored grandfather of Kori, Kyle, Colin, Cody, Michael, Courtney, Shannon, Taylor, Sean, Riley, Logan, Lindsay and their respective spouses, great grandfather of 15, his sister, Linda Kirby, sisters in law Mary and Victoria, many nieces, nephews, cousins, his beloved partner of 20 years Grace McAssey, as well as tons of friends and neighbors who he enjoyed so much throughout the years.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Frances Keppner, his brothers Richard, Roger, and Douglas, his sister Barbara Harr, two nephews, Roger Jr. and Jimmy, and his former wife Judy.

Visitation will be held at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home & Cemetery, 17W201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL on 10/3/26 at 9:30a.m. until the time of service at 11:30a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Dubuque, 1670 John F Kennedy Road, Dubuque, IA 52002 or the American Cancer Society.