Lee Francis Hepfler, 91, joined his beloved wife, Jackie, on her birthday June 13, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of family, community, and cherished memories. He brought joy and warmth into the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Papa Hepfler will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, great grandchildren, sons, daughter, family, friends, and all who were touched by his presence.

Lee was born July 24, 1931, to Jacob and Mary (Faschingbauer) Hepfler in Bloomer, WI. He grew up in the Bloomer area and graduated from Bloomer High School in 1950. He was drafted and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. He went to work at Chippewa Plastics in 1955 and retired in 1995 from CT Film after 40 years.

Lee married the love of his life, Jacqueline Shirley Fransway on July 7, 1956, in Chippewa Falls. He is survived by his sons Michael (Karen) and Patrick (Ingrid Shaurette) of Chippewa Falls; daughter Michele Hepfler (Don) Vanden Heuvel of Freedom, WI; grandchildren Jacob (Emilee) Hepfler, Larisa (Ben) Jones, Lauren (Shane) Sullivan, Alina (James) Luckey, Brianna Hepfler (Luke Backhaus), Tel Hepfler, Eve Vanden Heuvel, John Vanden Heuvel and Aaron Vanden Heuvel; and great-grandchildren Katlyn Jones, Kendall Hepfler, Ryder Sullivan, Payton Hepfler, Braden Lee Jones, Lydia Sullivan, Finley Perrin, and Stella Luckey; and many other in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife and parents; brother Ralph; sisters and brothers-in-law, Rose (Leonard) Ruff, Leona (Albert) Siverling, Esther (Leonard) Samens, Edith (Walter) Siverling, Alyda (Ed) Krejci, Mona (Ray) Bekken; twin daughters Mary Sue and Patricia Jane; and daughter-in-law Jeanie Hepfler.

Lee was a beloved father, husband, grandfather, and friend who lived a life guided by hard work and family. He was the rock of his Hepfler crew, showing great strength and an unwavering source of support to his loved ones. When his children were young, Lee enjoyed planning family trips to National Parks and the West Coast to visit family and friends. They also vacationed at Eric’s Resort in Chetek on the 4th of July. He cherished his grandchildren and created countless unforgettable memories during times at the lake in Chetek, weekends spent at the family cabin in Ladysmith, and many celebrations and everyday moments, shared together on Lynn Street.

Lee's passions and interests were a reflection of his family-oriented spirit. He found immense joy during the fall and winter months hunting with his sons and grandsons at the Bohemian Bushwackers hunting cabin in Ladysmith. He also enjoyed ice fishing and making time to gather as a family for the holidays. In the summer he and Grandma Jackie enjoyed hosting their grandchildren at their camper at Summer Haven Resort. They spent long hours fishing on Mudd Lake, tubing with the grandchildren behind the fishing boat, catching frogs along the shoreline, and renting paddle boats to enjoy with their cousins. They had many friends and family at the lake and cherished the times spent laughing and drinking coffee on the deck.  In retirement, he and Jackie shared a memorable vacation to Alaska and enjoyed annual trips to Bayfield.

Lee was a very involved grandpa. He spent countless hours supporting his grandchildren in all of their extracurricular activities: hockey, baseball, basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, karate, band and choir concerts, pageants, baptisms, first communions, graduations, weddings. He was a very proud papa of all of his blessings. 

Lee also dedicated his time and energy to Notre Dame Parish, Knights of Columbus, Chippewa Bow Hunters Club, and the McDonell Boosters Club, as well as other local fundraisers and charities.

While Lee’s physical presence may no longer be with us, his spirit will continue to live on through the lives he touched and the memories he created.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 20 at Notre Dame Catholic Church. Inurnment will be in Hope Cemetery in Chippewa Falls. Military rites will be conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 20 at the church.  

Friends and family are invited to join in a celebration of Lee’s life and to offer support and comfort to one another during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chippewa Falls Public Library in memory of Lee Hepfler, as Lee had a love for reading books by Louis L’Amour and many other authors.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to St. Joseph’s Hospice, Dove Rutledge Home staff, and Jennifer Armstrong, sister-in-law to Lee, for the great care and support they provided to Lee and his family during this challenging time.

Forever in our hearts, Lee Hepfler will be remembered as the foundation of the Hepfler family, a dearly loved individual whose impact will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Rest in peace, Papa Lee. Give Grandma Jackie a hug from all of us.

AFTER SERVICE NOTICE:

A Memorial Mass for Lee F. Hepfler was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 20 at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls.

Rev. Brandon Guenther was celebrant of the Memorial Mass assisted by Mass server, Mark Birrittella. Inurnment was in Hope Cemetery in Chippewa Falls. Military rites were conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

Music during the Mass was provided by Michele Hepfler, Beth Martinek and Sue Van de Loo. Readings were given by Larisa Jones and Lauren Sullivan.

Urn bearers were Brianna, Jacob and Tel Hepfler, Larisa Jones, Alina Luckey, Lauren Sullivan, Aaron, Eve and John Vanden Heuvel.