Obituary of Gerald A. Hepler

Gerald A. Hepler Gerald, 71, passed away October 12, 2011 in Olympia, Washington. He was born June 23, 1940 to Vernon and Zelda (Wanless) Hepler in Oregon City, Oregon. He graduated from Canby Union High School in 1958, and Benke Walter Business College. He taught one year of basic and secretarial accounting and business machines, and worked in accounting for the Washington State Department of Revenue in the Excise Tax Division, retiring after 34 years. Gerald was an active member and deacon of The First Christian Church and volunteered in several programs. He was instrumental in organizing the church’s FISH program, which assists seniors and others needing help. He served as treasurer for many years and taught classes on teens and drug addiction. Gerald also was a local board member of AFSCME. As a child, Gerald joined the 4H Club, Flower Club, and Poultry Division; he won several blue ribbons. At the age of 13, he gave a demonstration on poultry raising at the Oregon State Fair. Later in life, he loved to travel. His favorite places were the Oregon Coast, Mexico and Canada. Gerald leaves behind his brother, Dan Hepler of Salem, OR; and longtime friend Helena Wilson of Olympia, WA; her son James “Jim” Wilson of Chicago: and her daughter Virginia Louise “Ginny Lou” Wilson of Tokyo, Japan. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, Margaret Hepler. Donations in his memory may be made to the First Christian Church at P.O. Box 2850, Olympia, WA 98507. Please leave memories of Gerald or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.