Charles H. "Charlie" Hepler

Charles H. "Charlie" Hepler , 77, Frackville passed away peacefully Monday evening, with his family at his side , at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill East, Pottsville.

Born in Pitman he was a son of the late John "Wimp" and Coletta "Lettie" Donlan Hepler. He had been employed as a meat cutter for the former Anthony's Supermarket, for over 20 years and then by Boyer's Markets until his retirement.

He was a member of St. Joseph The Worker Parish, Frackville, Frackville American Legion Post #398, the Whipperwill Fish and Game and the Frackville Area Senior Citizens. He was a coach for Frackville Little League and Frackville Teener League for 11 years. Charlie was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He was a US Army veteran having served as the crew chief of Sikorsky CH34 helicopter, where he received the Winged S Air Rescue Award for outstanding performance in a disaster in Longarone, Italy during the Vajont Dam disaster. He also received a medal of merit and commendation from the Italian Defense Minister.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Lisa Van Horn and his sister Mary Jane Fey.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 51* years Marilyn "Gilfert" Hepler, his son Charles J. "Chaz" and his wife Margaret Hepler, Frackville, his daughter Amy wife of Mike Prock, Frackville, his 7 grandchildren; Timothy Prock, Bobby and Jessica Van Horn, Emily, Zachary, Jacob and Ashley Hepler, his brother Dennis and wife Susan Hepler, Kulpmont, sister-in-law Charlene Boniscavage, Kutztown, also by nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Prayer Service will be held at 5:45 p.m. on Saturday evening with Rev. Christopher Zelonis officiating. Friends may call at the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Frackville, on Saturday evening from 6 until 8 p.m.. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family, at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers contributions, in Charles name, be made to the charity of your choice.