Obituaries

Dr. John “Jack” Charles Kepple, O.D., 81

March 18, 2021

Dr. John “Jack” Charles Kepple, O.D., 81, of Lancaster, passed away Thursday, March 18, 2021 in the comfort of his home with his two loving daughters by his side. Born in Blairsville, PA on July 14, 1939, Jack was the son of the late Glenn C. and Nora G. (Dunlap) Kepple.

After graduating high school, Jack went on to attend Juniata College for his undergraduate degree and then The Ohio State University for his Doctor of Optometry degree. After gaining his optometry credentials, Jack joined the Navy “to see the world” but only got as far as Norfolk, VA and the U.S. Naval Hospital in Quantico, VA.

Jack eventually found his way to Lancaster County where he owned and operated his own successful Optometry practice for 44 years in Columbia. His skillful and gracious hands helped many patients through those years. During this time Jack was a member of the Lancaster Co. Optometric Society and at one point served as President. After retiring, Jack’s strong desire to give back lead him to volunteer for humanitarian missions in eyecare, traveling to Indian reservations in South Dakota, and many trips to the Appalachian areas of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. His humanitarian efforts were not restricted to the U.S., as they also took him to places like Ethiopia and several trips to Haiti.

Jack also found time to serve his local community in Lancaster county with efforts through Lancaster Contact, Water Street Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Hospice and Community Care, and Compeer.

Jack will be remembered as a very gracious and kind individual who worked tirelessly to comfort others and help in whatever capacity he could. His family will forever treasure the memories created with him and he will be missed by them and all who had the opportunity to know him. Jack’s presence and memory will live on through the eyes of all who cherish his memory.

Jack leaves behind two daughters: Kirsten Kepple and Alison Kepple Connors (Blake); two grandchildren: Morgan and Reece; and a niece: Carol Curry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Glenn Richard Kepple and Larry Kepple.

Family and friends will be received at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike Lititz, PA 17543 on Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 2pm to 4pm. A funeral service will immediately follow with Rev. Dr. Stephen Fritz officiating. Jack will be laid to rest at the Wayside Presbyterian Church Memorial Garden privately with his family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dr. John C. Kepple, O.D.’s honor can be made to the National Brain Tumor Society, 55 Chapel Street, Suite 200, Newton, MA 02458 with memo line referencing Dr. John C. Kepple, O.D. Memorial contributions can also be made at https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/johnkepple.

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Condolences to the Family

May 04, 2021

Dear Kirsten, Alison and family. I just learned of your Dad’s passing today and I am heartbroken. I worked for your Dad for more than 10 years and cherished my time with him. He was the greatest teacher and supporter that there was and I am where I am in my career because of him. Alison, I remember working many times with you too! I’m so sorry that I didn’t reach out to him lately. He came to my mind just a few weeks ago as I was driving home from a day working in Western PA and I thought that I must reach out to him. He was by far the best Dr. that I had ever worked for and with! His support continued after I left his office and moved on to other Drs. offices and then to Safilo. While at Safilo, he made sure to support me by supporting the frames that I was selling. He was truly a blessing to so many and I will cherish the memories that I have of him. May the wonderful memories that you have carry you through this difficult time. My sincere condolences.
Amy Barton Rauhauser

April 14, 2021

Dear Kirsten and Alison, We met Jack only a few years ago while we both had our beloved King Charles Cavaliers. Jack was so gracious to invite us to join the dinner group he organized, and we enjoyed those evenings very much. We are sorry that we couldn’t have known him longer and we offer you and your families our sincere condolences.
Richard and Eleanor Wheeler

April 09, 2021

Dear Kirsten and Alison
So very sorry for your great loss. I had the privilege of working for your father for many years, his kindness and devotion to his patients will leave a lasting memory. His love and pride for you girls was evident each time he spoke of you. Prayers that your special memories help you through this difficult time
With deepest sympathy
Mike and Deb Burke

April 08, 2021

Dear Kirsten and Alison,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. As you know, I spent a lot of time in my childhood at your home on Sherry Lane and at your beach house in Stone Harbor. I have such fond memories of those times and Dr. Kepple is part them. I can honestly say I can’t remember him ever once raising his voice…in spite of some of our antics. This is certainly a hard time for you, but I hope you take some solace in knowing that your dad will be remembered for the kind man he was. Most sincerely,
Kate Erickson Giorgio

April 06, 2021

Dear Kirsten and Alison,
What a kind and compassionate man your father was! I worked with him for many years as he thoroughly and precisely provided eye care and much more to the people of Columbia! He made a huge impact on many, and he will be missed in this world.We pray that you both can find Peace in knowing how he cherished you, and that you were always there for him when he needed you! Fondly, Margie and Tom Musser

April 05, 2021

Dear Kirsten and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I wish the end wasn’t so difficult. We’re blessed knowing he was so cherished and cared for. So thankful for an amazing heavenly father who took him into His arms.
Please know you are a terrific daughter, mother, and sister. Your kindness is felt everywhere you are. You are such a blessing to your family. May your loved ones come together with all the compassion and support you need. We are always here for you. All our best, the Baranowskis

April 04, 2021

Dear Kirsten and Alison,
We are sorry to hear of your father’s death. Though we did not know him for very long we felt we knew him well. He was a gentleman. He often engaged us in conversation at Wayside. He always a bid smile on his face and a kind word to say. We have moved out of the Lancaster area and we will miss seeing you both at his funeral service April 10th. Know that we will miss your father and that our prayers are with you and your familes.
Sincerely,
Mike and Susan Weed
Friends from Wayside Church

April 04, 2021

So sorry for your loss. Dr Kepple was my eye doctor since I was in 4th grade until his retirement. He was always very kind and really cared about my eyesight. He made my visits very relaxing. He was just a great guy. God bless him and your family.
randy herman

March 30, 2021

Dear Kirsten and family,
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your father. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob, Lori and Hunter Bentley

March 26, 2021

Dear Kirsten and Alison,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your dear father. May he Rest In Peace. Bonnie and Ron Schmitt

Visitation: Saturday, April 10, 2021; 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Saturday, April 10, 2021; 4:00 PM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >