Henry J. Eppel passed away peacefully at his home on March 31, 2024.
Henry was born on March 11, 1937, son of Henry J and Kathryan Frahm Eppel. He married Gerri (Geraldine) Eppel on June 28, 1957. She preceded him in death on March 28, 2009. He later married Lori M. Carlin on August 8, 2018, she survives in him.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents, his three sisters Joan, Carol and Janet and his wife Gerri.
Henry is survived by his children Mark and Penny Eppel, Pontiac IL, Michelle & Steve Wall, Sarasota Fl, Marty and Debbie Eppel, Libertyville, IL, Matt and Sherri Eppel, Dunlap IL and stepdaughter Allison (Andy) Anderson, Bothell, WA. Grandchildren Abby and John Rinker, Andrew and Amy Eppel, Luke and Craig Eppel, Max Eppel, Katie Thomas, Jake and Jacky Roach, Alex and Kelly Eppel, Ted and Laura Eppel, Ben Eppel, Delia Eppel, Nick and Anna Eppel, Nathan Eppel and Carrie Bunting and step grandchildren Carlin, Connor and Aidan Anderson.
Great-grandchildren William, Emma and Wes Rinker, Nora and Evelyn Eppel, Skyler Roach, Keylee Thomas, Gemma Jo Bagnell, Jaxon, Jacob and Tyler Roach, Louis Eppel, Ellie and Henry Eppel, Collin, Noel Eppel and Landon Eppel.
Henry graduated from Pontiac High school in 1955. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering in 1959. After graduation he returned to Pontiac and spent his career at H J Eppel and Company building roads and bridges in Central Illinois. He was a former director at Fairbury Federal Savings and Loan, Pontiac National Bank and Freestar Bank. He was also a school board member for District 429 and Pontiac Elks Lodge 1019. He had fond memories of his time as a Jaycee in Pontiac in the 1960’s. He was named a PTHS distinguished alumni in 2016.
Henry enjoyed playing guitar and singing on his own or with the “Grateful Dads”. He enjoyed dancing with Gerri and get togethers at the “Square” with family and friends. He also was part of a great group who went to the Chippewa Flowage for early spring walleye for 35 years. Henry enjoyed playing golf at the Pontiac Elks with his friends. After moving to Florida, he spent a lot of time on his dock with Lori and his neighbors enjoying the lake.
He was a good father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many. He will be missed. Special thanks to Shane Darmalingum, his caretaker and friend to the end.
Per Henry’s request there will be a Celebration of Life for family and friends this summer. Memorials in Henry’s name may be made to St. Mary’s School or OSF Foundation St. James.
