Johnnie Keppel, 79, of Keokuk, IA, passed away Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Scotland County Hospital in Memphis, MO.
He was born February 16, 1944 in Keokuk, IA the son of Albert Keppel II and Charlotte Kayser Hays.
He graduated from Keokuk High School with the class of 1963.
Johnnie was a veteran of the United States Army. He was drafted in 1968 at the age of 24. He was there for four months, while leading his platoon he stepped on a land mine. He was injured from shoulder to feet and spent the next six months at Walter Reed Hospital. He then spent his last nine months at Fort Leonard Wood and returned home in May 27, 1970. Johnnie received a Purple Heart for his bravery and sacrifice and unwavering dedication to our country.
On May 23, 1980 Johnnie was united in marriage to Teresa Laffoon in Wayland, MO. She survives.
Other survivors include two daughters, Amanda Mastin (Wade) of Boone, IA and Chastity Kearns (Chris) of Montrose, IA, one son, Gary Keppel (Heather) of Louisiana, seven grandchildren: Krystal Keppel, Andrea Lutes, Valerie Keppel, Alexandria Mastin, Madison Kearns, Logan Kearns and Maya Kearns. Two step-grandchildren, Mitchell Mastin and Mason Mastin, and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Albert Keppel III (Kathleen) of Keokuk.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-dad, Roy Hays and one daughter in infancy, Rachelle.
Johnnie had been employed by Fruehauf from 1968 until the company’s closure in 2001.
Johnnie was a talented woodworker and made all types of furniture and wood projects. He enjoyed listening to music and was an excellent dancer. Johnnie was a classic car enthusiast and had a ’68 Chevy Camaro convertible that he was very proud of. He loved to enter it in car shows and drive it in parades.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Pastor Dave Barrett officiating. Burial with military rites will be held in the Keokuk National Cemetery.
Visitation will be held after 1 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home with family meeting with friends from 5-7 p.m.
Memorials may be made to Toys for Tots or Wreaths Across America.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com.
