Clayton Epperly Obituary

Clayton S. "Buck" Epperly, age 91 of Geneva passed away Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at Geneva Care Center, surrounded by his family. He was born September 21, 1916 in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, the son of Frederick and Florence (Schiller) Epperly. Buck married the former Alice Strom December 23, 1939 in St. Paul Minnesota and in 1947 accepted a job as a Design Engineer from Burgess Norton Company in Geneva and moved with his young family from Minnesota to Geneva. One of his hobbies was a gourmet cook and he ended up developing the first flavored rice.The rice business started in the basement of his home and eventually grew to where he formed a partnership with his two friends Cliff Carlson and Sol Simon naming the business Village Inn Gourmet Foods Inc. which wound up going nationwide. He sold the business in 1971 and moved to Spain where he spent many enjoyable years before relocating back to Geneva. He is survived by his seven children Molly (Mark) Kellogg of Santa Barbara, CA. Randi (David) Hussey of St. Charles, Fritz (Deborah) of St. Charles, Missy Raby of Geneva, Jake (Gretchen) of Geneva, Ben (Joanne) of Point Richmond, CA and Bill (Suzanne) of Shapleigh, ME; Ten Grandchildren Max (Masae) and Simon Kellogg, Bridget (Jeffrey) Lescher, Jessica Hauser, Joshua and Jennifer Epperly, Benjamin (Sarah) Raby, Lily Ann Violet Epperly, Elyse and Daniel Epperly; Three great grandchildren Nya, Rosie and Bill. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Alice who passed away in 1992. Memorial Mass was Celebrated Friday, February 22, 2008 at St. Mark Episcopal Church, 4th and Franklin Streets in Geneva with the Rev. Dr. Mark A. Tusken officiating. Private interment followed at Oak Hill Cemetery in Geneva. In lieu of flowers, memorial to St. Mark Episcopal Church, 4th and Franklin Streets Geneva, Illinois 60134 would be appreciated. Arrangements handled by the Malone Funeral Home, Geneva. Info: 630-232-8233