Obituary of Norman F. Keppler

On March 9th, 2008 Norman F. Keppler passed away. He will be greatly missed by his daughter Lorraine Perkins, son-in-law Robert and grandchildren, Heather, Brian and Michael. He will also be missed by his faithful animal companions that were so important to him throughout the years. We will remember his humor, benevolence and strength; all characteristics that have touched his family and those around him throughout his fruitful 99 years. His spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and in the many intangible gifts of character he has bestowed upon us all. We will miss you Grandpa. Norman had an insatiable curiosity and continued to pursue knowledge of the world around him until his last day. He was an avid reader and always kept up on current events. His first words upon awaking in the hospital the Wednesday before his passing were, “Who won the primaries last night?”. He was also a brilliant student of mathematics and language in his career and leisure pursuits; often enjoying word games and mathematical puzzles. He also had a passionate love of music and continued to play the piano into his nineties. His active lifestyle attributed to his longevity. Norman enjoyed walking, hiking swimming and for most of his retirement, walked five miles a day around his Queens’ community, of Douglaston, and through the meadows on Long Island with his beloved wife and animals. He continued to enjoy a dip in the pool through last summer; often taking joy from the simple pleasures of life, such as this. Norman and his wife Dorothy moved to Baldwinsville over ten years ago, to be close to their daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. Norman was a life long employee of The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company where he worked as an actuary. He attended the New Jersey State Teachers College at Montclair and was an US Army Veteran of World War II. In 2005, Norman was predeceased by Dorothy, his adored wife of 67 years. He was also predeceased by his parents Henry and Clara Keppler and brothers, Henry, William and Harold. He is survived by his daughter Lorraine Perkins, her husband Robert and grandchildren Heather, Brian and Michael; his niece, Joan Keppler, and nephews William Keppler and James Sweenie. Services will be at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours. Contributions may be made to Crouse Health Foundation, 736 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, New York, 13210, Attn: Palliative Care, in memory of Norman F. Keppler. For animal lovers; contributions can be made to Humane Assn of Central New York, 4915 ½ W. Taft Road, Liverpool, New York 13088.