Glen Knepper, 86

Glen L. Knepper, age 86, of Mendon, died Friday, Oct. 16, 2015 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He was born in Wawaka, Indiana on Dec. 3, 1928 the son of the late Lewis C. and Edna E. (Cook) Knepper. He attended elementary school in Indiana and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. Glen joined the United States Air Force, and served with the 449th Fighter Intercept Squadron while stationed at Ladd Air Force Base in Alaska.

Glen farmed, and worked briefly at Browne Paper Company and Brunswick in Kalamazoo before going to work for Hydrico in Galesburg. There he worked as a repairman for 32 years until the company shut down. Following his retirement he worked briefly at Mendon Public Schools. Glen was a gifted craftsman and woodworker. He built five homes, and enjoyed making miniature trucks and implements for family and friends.

Glen was married to Loralee Avery on Nov. 10, 1967 in Portage. She survives along with a daughter, Karen (Joe Decker) Knepper of Vicksburg; a son, Rob (Traci) Knepper of Constantine; three grandchildren, Whitney Perkins, Branden Perkins, and Trenna Knepper; nieces and nephews; and his beloved dogs, Luci and Lucie II. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Joanna Perry; and his previous wife, Mary Alice (Trimmer) Knepper in 1965.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. No memorial service will be conducted and a private interment of ashes will take place later in Poe Cemetery. It is suggested that donations be directed to the Animal Rescue Fund. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com