Ralph Wilbur Hepker

Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on February 9, 1925
Departed on July 13, 2009. Resided in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Memorial

Ralph “Bud” Wilbur Hepker 84, of Cedar Rapids, died Monday July 13, 2009 in Mercy Medical Center following an extended illness. Memorial services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday at First Congregational Church by the Rev. David Holman. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Bud was born February 9, 1925 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Ralph Edward and Lillian Margaret. He attended public schools in Cedar Rapids and graduated from Franklin High School in 1943. He attended Ripon College with the Air force V-12 program. He served in WWII as a radio and Radar specialist in the South Pacific area with the 5th Air Force and was awarded the Bronze Star. He was employed by Cherry Burrell Co, Fruehauf Trailer Co and retired from Rockwell Collins after 31 years as a mechanical engineer. where he received the engineer of the year award. He married Jeanne Ruth Strong on June 24, 1950 at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Oak Park, Illinois.

He is survived by his wife Jeanne, four children, Walter Hepker, Cindy (Mark) Schile, Laura (Steve) Doerfler, Debbie (Chris) Mock, a brother, Cass Hepker, and 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Bud was an active 59 year member of First Congregational Church. His was a skilled woodworker and enjoyed, camping, and loved cars. His priorities were his family and church. He will be greatly missed by all.

Memorials may be made to First Congregational Church, Carl & Mary Koehler History Center and Indian Creek Nature Center.

Service