Frederick S. Keplinger

Frederick Stephen “Steve” Keplinger,
67, passed away Saturday, February 25, 2017, at the Hospice Home of Hope
following a long illness.  

 

Steve was born on April 14, 1949 in
Erwin, TN to the late Frances Irene Helton and Frederick Adams Keplinger
. Following his graduation from Unicoi
County HS in Erwin, he joined the USAF where he was stationed at Minot Air
Force Base in Minot, ND. In 1972 he began his career with the railroad,
starting in the yard with Clinchfield RR, progressing to conductor with CSX Transportation
and later to Great Smoky Mountain RR. In 1994 he moved to Fond du Lac to work
on Wisconsin Central as a conductor and later became an engineer when the line
came to be known as Canadian National.

 

Kep (as his railroad buddies called
him) was devoted to his wife, family, and faithful dog, Madison; he loved his TN
Vols and was an avid NASCAR fan. Steve was a gentle man who characterized all
the fine traits of a true southern gentleman.

 

Steve is survived by Janette, his
wife of 29 years, step-daughter Nikki Ferriol, granddaughters Chrystina and
Kayla Ferriol, great-grandsons Shea Paape and Oliver Uecker,  younger sister Melanie (Stephen) Drushel,
niece Stephanie and younger brother Douglas.

 

Steve is preceded in death by his
parents and younger brother, James.

 

Visitation:  Steve’s family
will welcome friends on Friday, March 3rd, 2017 from 2:00 PM until 6:00
PM at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division St in Fond du Lac.  A brief
memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM.

 

The family wishes to thank each and
every individual at the Hospice Home of Hope for the love and compassionate
care they gave Steve as well as all of them, including Madison. May God’s
blessings be upon these angels of mercy.