Daniel J. KEPPLER

The Rev Daniel J. Keppler, 80, of Monona, IA, died Wednesday, July 21, 2010, due to various illnesses. Father Keppler was born February 1, 1930, in New Vienna, Iowa, the son of Harry(Henry) and Rose (Hoeger) Kepper(KEPPLER).

He attended Lodimillo #4 in Clayton County, Edgewood High School and Loras Academy in Dubuque. Father graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, in May, 1954; completed his Theological studies at Mount St. Bernard Seminary in Dubuque in May, 1958, and received his Master's degree in Counseling and Administration from Loras College in 1976.

Father Keppler was ordained to the Roman Catholic Priesthood on February 1, 1958, at St. Raphael Cathedral in Dubuque by Archbishop Leo Binz. His first Mass was celebrated at St. Mark's, Edgewood, IA. In June and July of 1958, he was chaplain of Mercy Hospital in Dubuque. From 1958 to 1963, he was Associate Pastor at St. John's, Independence, and full time teacher at St. John's High School; from 1963 to 1968, he was Associate Pastor at St. Joseph's, Farley and at the same time, he served as Guidance Counselor and teacher at St. Joseph's High School. In June, 1968, Father became Metropolitan Coordinator of Catholic Education and CCD Religious Education for Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the same time he was Secondary Principal of LaSalle High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, until June, 1970. From 1970 to 1974, he also served as Associate Pastor of Immaculate Conception in Cedar Rapids. In June, 1974, he was named Principal at Aquin High School in Cascade and Coordinator of Catholic Education in Catholic Schools and CCD in the Cascade area and Pastor of St. Peter's Temple Hill. In June, 1976, he was appointed as Metropolitan Coordinator of Catholic Education in Waterloo, Iowa, in both the catholic schools and public schools. At the same time, he assisted in Pastoral duties at St. Joseph's Parish, Waterloo. In 1979, Father Keppler was named Pastor of St. Mary's Parish, Waterloo. He remained Metropolitan Coordinator of Catholic Education. In 1985 to 1991, he served Pastor of St. Joseph's Parish in Mason City, Iowa. In 1991, he became Pastor of St. Wenceslaus Parish in Spillville, Iowa. In 1997, he became Pastor of St. Patrick's, Monona, until July 2000, when he retired.

Survivors include two brothers, Jerome Keppler of Manchester and James Keppler of Cedar Rapids; one sister-in-law, Lucille Keppler of Strawberry Point; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Father Keppler was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Mary Burr, Clarinda Bushaw, Bernice Bushaw; brothers, Cletus Keppler, Leonard Keppler, Raymond Keppler, Harold Keppler, John Keppler and Irvin Keppler.

-Arrangements and Commentary: Leonard & Leonard-MULLER Funeral Homes and Crematory of Monona, IA.