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Guy E. Epperly
September 23, 1930, to July 17, 2023
Guy E. Epperly passed away peacefully on Monday, July 17, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at Orchard View Terrace in New Richmond, WI. A former Milwaukee and Franklin, WI resident, Guy was born in Web, Oklahoma to Guy M. and Lela Epperly in 1930. Guy was a decorated Navy Veteran during the Korean War. On June 5, 1953, the ship he was on, the LSMR 409, was hit by two shells from a North Korean Shore Battery. One hit the radio room and destroyed the communication systems. Guy quickly repaired the short-range transmitter for the captain. Then Guy and the fire control technician rebuilt the communication and radar systems in 17 hours and succeeded in having the ship rescued from hostile waters. He received the following medals from the Navy: The Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal (2 stars), United Nation Service Medal, and Commendation Ribbon with Combat Distinguishment.
After serving in the Navy, Guy moved to Milwaukee and married Esther Pinkowski. They were married for 62 years until her death in 2015. They had two sons, David J. (Pamela) and G. Andrew (Diana).
From 1953 to 1955, Guy worked as a lineman for Wisconsin Bell. He worked as an electrical engineer and camera man for WISN TV for 37 years until his retirement in 1992.
Guy was a humble man of faith. He was loyal, unpretentious, and never lost his boyish Oklahoma Charm that could charm anyone. He taught his sons the meaning of compassion, empathy, and kindness.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers, Loyd, and Robert; sister, Virginia. Guy is survived by his brother, Edward (Ann); sons, David J. (Pamela) and G. Andrew (Diana); five grandchildren, Scott (Amber) Epperly, Thad (Brianna) Epperly, Erin (Charlie) Beer, Mason, and Marissa Epperly; nine great-grandchildren, Allen Epperly, Austin Epperly, Ashton Epperly, Aiden Epperly, Avery Epperly, Isla Epperly, McKenna Epperly, Clara Beer, and Wynn Beer; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A special thanks goes to the staff of Orchard View Terrace and Saint Croix Hospice for their excellent care of Guy. While staying there, he would enjoy the Green Bay Packers, playing cribbage with his friends, winning bingo, and watching the TV show Gunsmoke. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Xavierian Missionary Fathers (4500 West Xavier Drive, Franklin, WI 53132) or Saint Martin of Tours Catholic Church (7963 S 116th Street, Franklin, WI 53132) in honor of Guy. He was loved by all and will be missed by many.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 1:00PM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (151 S Washington Ave) in New Richmond with a visitation starting at 11:30AM. Private family interment was in Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Durand, WI. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
Click here to watch the Mass of Christian Burial for Guy.
7 Comments
God Bless you Dad. We love you. You enriched our lives when you lived with us and we were finally able to understand many things while together. You were an awesome husband, Father, Uncle , and friend to so many. Your selflessness will always be remembered and now a treasured tribute to your legacy.
I’ve known Mr. Epperly for at least 40 years, and in that time I saw this man with a real sense of kindness, and strong devotion to family values and personal constitution. His easy going personality and humble nature were always prevalent to me when I was over visiting with his son, – my friend Andy. One time when Andy was at work when I stopped over to his house on one Saturday afternoon, he asked me to help set up the swimming pool in the back yard. I was not really wanting to do this at that moment, but knew how good of a person Guy was, and so I stayed to help him out with that because things such as that need two people to get done properly. Mr. Epperly it was an honor to be there to lend a hand in some small way. Mr. Epperly, you are one of a kind and truly the salt of the earth. God Bless.
Great memories of both your mom and dad.Definitely.two of the kindest and most genuine people I’ve ever been a privilege to share time with here on this planet.God’s blessings come into our lives in amazing ways.
Uncle Guy (Unce Yug) had a warm and humble heart, a great sense of humor with a twinkle in his eye. I couldn’t have asked for a better godfather. When he and my Aunt Esther and David and Andy visited us at our cabins it was the best! God bless!
Part 1 Today I had the duty to honor, simply by attendance and support of family, a man of great integrity in the wake of his passing. A life long friend and confidant of my parents family and mine. Integrity attributes by definition: “To follow a set of values, be honest, help others, lead by example, and take responsibility.” This summed up Guy Eldon Epperly. The pastor asked attendees to provide words to describe Guy. All of these and others came up. I have thought of another that always stood out to me. Sneaky Teacher. He had a way of always turning every event, interaction, happening, good or not so good, into a learning experience. He may impart some words of wisdom, frequently pertinent facts, but also made one think by asking a poignant question.
Part 2 . Regardless of what we may have done, however I’ll-fated our action, or even dumb, never angry or judgmental, he just gave you that wonderful smile and might say, well dad gum it, you got through that, what did you learn? As a kid I might not have recognized the educational moment, but later came to understand how fortunate I was for it. I will forever miss and remember the man I was lucky enough to call my Godfather. Rest in peace my fellow swabbie. Thank you for being in my life.
Uncle Guy, he was always a hero to me, but I didn’t know that he was a hero in the Korean War.. I always will remember your kindness. I will find comfort in the song Softly and Tenderly and think of you. My heart goes out to your family for you loss.
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