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Classic Car Lover Rich Kepner Dies

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One of the most recognizable names in the business community of Michigan's Great Southwest is being remembered around town tonight as one of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet, an incredible family man, and one of the fairest straight shooters in the world of business around here, as they mourn his death today.

Richard "Rich" Kepner passed away early today at his home in St. Joseph at the far-too-early age of only 69. He was an absolute icon in the business community, a long-time and loyal supporter of the Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce and the kind of guy who set the absolute gold standard for quality customer service. In fact, he was awarded the Chamber's Excellence in Customer Service Award five years ago, and was deeply proud of it.

Rich was the expert owner and operator of Kepner's Precision Auto Krafters on Nickerson Avenue, backing up to I-94 in Benton Harbor. He shared a deep appreciation for classic automobiles and was one of the original members of The Corvette Club of Southwest Michigan. 

Five years ago auto aficionado and H-P Columnist Dar Davis wrote about Kepner's labor of love in the form of a 1959 Chevy Impala, which he purchased at a Chevy Corvette Festival in Chicago in 1989. Dar joined the high-pressure tactics of Rich's wife, Connie, to get the restoration project sped in the bid to get him to showcase the vehicle in the Lake Bluff Concours d'Elegance in St. Joseph in 2011. I remember seeing Rich & Connie at that event and he was literally beaming with pride over the work that he and his crew had accomplished. In fact, that year he won the Honored Marque trophy at the Councours.

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He told Dar in that column years ago, "I've just always been a car lover." That he was, and it was clearly evident in the painstaking work he and the Kepner's crew provided to automobile owners from all across the region. His personal "fleet" of vintage vehicles was a considerable pride factor for Rich.

Rich Kepner's "all year" superlative was legendary, and his 50 years of pride and joy at his meticulously well-kept body shop will also be his legacy as the family and team soldier on.

While Rich loved his business and the myriad customers who wound their way to Nickerson Avenue, his true passion was his family. He was involved in all of their activities, even serving on the Board of Michigan Lutheran High School where he started the annual fundraising golf outing. 

Rich was born to his parents Frank & Virginia Kepner on June 20, 1946 in Benton Harbor, and lived here his entire life. He married Connie Rotter in Bridgman in December of 1977. He is survived by Connie, his children Kari (Jesse) Holmes of Eau Claire, Ryan (Kimberley) Kepner of Eau Claire, and John Kepner of Belleville, Michigan as well as grandchildren Layla and Lydia Holmes and Katelyn & Alex Kepner, some of which joined him in the recording of his radio commercials over the years. He is also survived by his sister Lynda (Clifton) Kepner Adams of St. Joseph.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Mike Kepner and son Frank Kepner.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11am on Thursday, May 19th at Grace Lutheran Church at 404 E. Glenlord Road in St. Joseph with Pastor Glenn Rosebaum officiating. Friends may visit from 5pm until 8pm on Wednesday, May 18th at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road in St. Joseph.

Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church of Michigan Lutheran High School, 615 E. Marquette Woods Road in St. Joseph. 

There's a classic auto group somewhere in America called the Goodguys. I don't know if Rich ever affiliated with them, but there is little doubt from anyone who ever met Rich Kepner that he was truly the epitome of one of the good guys in our midst and he will be sorely missed. 

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