Kenneth Hepler was born near Molalla December 19, 1925 to Glen andEmma Hepler. He was one of ten children. Five brothers and one sisterpreceded him in death: LeRoy, Donald, Stanley, Dale, Gerald and Lucille Grotzman. Ken is survived by one brother and two sisters: Melvin of Molalla, Verda Anderson of Hubbard and Shirley Pikkarainen of Beavercreek. Ken is also survived by Patricia Ann Long who has been his soul mate and companion for the past three years.Ken lived in Molalla most of his life. He attended Bear Creek Grade School and Molalla High School.He worked on farms in the area until enlisting in the Navy in March 1944 until 1946. He served in the South Pacific and received the following medals: American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific Campaign,Liberty Service, China Service and Occupation Service.In September 1949 he married Phyllis Dougherty who preceded him indeath March 6, 2009. To this union one daughter, Joan was born October 24, 1957 and passed away June 11, 2004.Ken worked for Crown Zellerbach for nine years; after which he was employed byStafford Oil for 35 years, retiring in 1988. He also owned and operated Molalla Care Center for a period of time. He was a Volunteer Fire Fighter and EMT Ambulance Driver for the Molalla Fire Department for a total of 32 years.He moved to Hubbard in 1995. Ken enjoyed hunting, fishing and making woodentoys. He loved children and asked that no flowers be given for his memorial service, but rather contributions be made to Doernbecher Childrens Hospital Memorial Service will be held Wednesday- December 19, 2012 at 1:00 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church at Woodburn.Private Interment at Willamette National Cemetery at Portland.Arrangements by Cornwell Colonial Chapel- Woodburn