Willard “Bill” Hepler, 81, of Nappanee, Ind., died at 9:40 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, at his residence unexpectedly of natural causes.

He was born Oct. 16, 1931, in Kosciusko County to Fred O. and Mary Louise (Mays) Hepler. He graduated from Nappanee High School in 1949 and he lived his lifetime in the same house.

Bill retired from CTS Corp. in 1993, where he had worked for more than 30 years. He was in the United States Army and a veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the Nappanee American Legion and was very dedicated to the Red Cross blood drives.

Surviving Bill are sisters: Ruth (Merlin) Yoder, and Donnabelle (Edward) Monhaut, both of Nappanee, Ind.; brothers: Eldon Hepler, Jacksonville, Fla.; Allen (Marge) Hepler, South Bend, Ind.; Richard (Marlene) Hepler, Apache Junction, Ariz.; Russell (Ardala) Hepler, LaGrange, Ind.; many nieces and nephews; and friend: Joyce Birk, Mishawaka, Ind.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister: Florence Fleck; and a brother: James Hepler.

Friends may call from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, and one hour prior to the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at the funeral home. His brother, Rev. Russell Hepler will lead the service. Burial will follow at Hepton Union Cemetery with military graveside services performed by the Nappanee American Legion.

Memorial contributions may be given to Gideon’s International or to the donor’s choice.