Eldon “Hep” Hepner, age 89, passed away on October 28th, 2018 in Fredonia. He was born on October 21st, 1929 to Jesse and Eleanore Hepner. He married Marie Ledin on June 26th, 1954. Hep graduated from Bay View High School class of 1948, later returned to teach there for 28 years. Graduated from UWM and attended summer programs at Syracuse University. Many of Hep’s accomplishments include : Director of The Alonzo Cudworth Chorus in Milwaukee and The Elks Lodge in Charleston SC. He was director of The Continental Youth Band Milwaukee. He took the Bay View Band to Disney World, Disneyland, Indy 500, Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade, Midwest Band an Orchestra Clinic, Knots Berry Farm, CA, Many Milwaukee Christmas Parades, performed for several visiting US Presidents. He was also employed as music director at Racine County Agricultural High School, Milwaukee Boys Club, Milwaukee Public schools North Division and Bay View High until retirement. During retirement, he moved to Charleston, SC, where he was active in musical groups. He moved back to Wisconsin in 2002 to be near his only granddaughter and other family members.
He is survived by his wife Marie Rieanne Hepner, son Todd (Susan) Hepner, grand-daughter Shelby Hepner, sister-in-law Dorothy Ledin, grand-dog Pebbles, and exchange student Patricia Macedo. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Mauritz and Emma Ledin, sister-in-law Clarice (Al) Little, brothers-in-law Robert and Donald Ledin.
A Memorial Service will be held at 5:00 PM on Thursday, November 1 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church (1044 S Silverbrook Drive, West Bend). A visitation will be held at the church from 3:00 PM on Thursday until the time of service
Memorials in Eldon’s honor are appreciated to The Civic Music Association of Milwaukee (2625 S Greeley St. Suite 3A, Milwaukee, WI, 53207) or Our Saviors Sunday School.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Heartland Hospice and Forest Haven Assisted Living.
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