James Keppler Obituary

James G. Keppler, 76, of Naples, FL entered Eternal Rest on May 19, 2010. Born in Syracuse, NY on March 19, 1934 to Harold and Genevieve (Parrott) Keppler, he was educated at Blessed Sacrament School, Christian Brothers Academy and was a graduate of LeMoyne College, class of 1956. Jim met Marietta Farrell at LeMoyne College and they were married on October 6, 1956 in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. They began their married life in Cincinnati, OH and lived in several other states before moving to Glen Ellyn in 1973. After his retirement, his love of golf and dislike of cold led to the decision to move to Naples in 1995. He was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Church and The Classics at Lely Resort. Jim was a proud father and grandfather and liked nothing more than having his family around him - especially at "Kepplerfest", the family reunions he arranged in several locations. He also loved cruising and his only regret was that he never got to arrange a "Kepplerfest" aboard the Crystal Serenity. Jim first worked for General Electric Co. as a nuclear physicist, and then the Atomic Energy Commission (later NRC). From 1973-1987 he was the Administrator for Region III with offices in Glen Ellyn, IL. He was a charter member of the U.S. Senior Executive Service and rose to the top of the ranks. In 1982, he was awarded the Presidential Meritorious Executive award by Edwin Meese, representing President Ronald Reagan. On January 5, 1988, President Reagan presented him the Distinguished Senior Executive award in ceremonies at the White House. Following his retirement from Federal Service, Jim worked as a consultant to the nuclear power industry for several years. Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marietta; sons, Jim (Debbie) Keppler of Alexandria, VA; Col. Tim (Gaby) Keppler of Chesapeake, VA, and daughter, Mindy (Bill) Muenzberg of Shorewood, MN; sister, Janice (Denny) Scott of Port Orange, FL; mother-in-law, Marie Farrell of Merritt Island, FL; grandchildren, Steven, Alison, Franziska, Sebastian, Katarina and Angelina Keppler, Hannah, Matthew and Thomas Muenzberg; and many nephews and nieces. He was pre-deceased by his parents and daughter, Jeanne Therese. The family wishes to thank Fr. Russell Wright, Dr. Daniel Morris and the staff at Florida Cancer Specialists and the NCH Oncology 4S department for their loving care. A Mass of Celebration of the life of Jim Keppler was held at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Naples. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory can be made to St. Peter the Apostle Church, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, FL 34113 or to the Oncology Department at Naples Community Hospital. For online condolences, visit www.fullerfuneralhome.com