Ernest Michael Keppler, 81, passed away on July 15, 2021, in Sheboygan, WI.
He was born on June 9, 1940, in Sheboygan to the late Ernest and Bertha (Zurheide) Keppler. He
attended local schools and graduated from Central High School in 1958. He then attended UW Madison
and UW Milwaukee where he earned his bachelor’s degree in economics. On February 20, 1960,
Michael married Maxine Weiss in Tomah, WI.
Michael was employed at Vollrath Co. on May 2, 1967, and worked various capacities within the
company, retiring as the VP of Foreign Trades on August 21, 2001. He was rehired as a consultant for
the company until February 1, 2006. Due to his position at Vollrath Co., Michael traveled around the
world, but also enjoyed traveling with Maxine. No matter his work schedule, Michael always made it
home for birthdays, swim meets, etc.
He was an active lifelong member of the Boy Scouts. He earned his Eagle Scout Award and received a
Vigil Honor in Order of the Arrow. Michael was honored the Silver Beaver Award. From little on he was
involved in Camp Rokilio where he served as waterfront director in his teen years.
The most important thing in life to Michael was his family, making many memories at the family cottage
on Cedar Lake. Many family gatherings where he taught his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren
and several nieces and nephews how to swim. Campfires, boat rides, Bonanza and hot buttered
popcorn were a must while at the cottage!
Michael is survived by his loving wife, Maxine; children Abigail (Rev James) Hoppert of Plymouth, Ernest
Carl (Terri) Keppler of Howards Grove; Sarah (Chad) Fritz of Sheboygan and Becky (Mike) Ogea of
Sheboygan Falls; grandchildren, Alicia (Dean) Sixel, Kayla (Matt) Vandre, John Michael and Drew (James
Andrew) Hoppert, Stefanie (Andy) Enderby, Libby Ogea, Jacob Fritz (Cali), Josh Fritz, Michael Spencer
Ogea and Jessica Fritz; great-grandchildren, Kylie and Jackson Sixel, Chloe, Carter and Owen Enderby; a
sister Mary (Steve) Schmidt; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mary Jane Weiss, Roger (Diane) Weiss and
Carol Baumgarten; nieces, nephews other friends and family further survive.
Along with his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Carl and Mernie
Weiss and a brother-in-law John Weiss.
A Funeral Service for Michael will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at St. Mark Lutheran
Church, 1019 N 7th St. in Sheboygan with Pastor Brett Matz officiating. A time of visitation will be held
on Tuesday at church from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Michael will be laid to rest at Wildwood
Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Michael's name.
The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Johnson and Theresa Brosnan Schuler, APNP, along with the
staff at St. Nicholas Hospital for the care given to Michael.
To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.ballhornchapels.com
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