William R. Keplinger

Bill was born on July 18, 1922 in Valentine, Nebraska to Ralph and Mildred Keplinger, and died at Kadlec Medical Center on March 4, 2006.

Raised in the Sandhills of Nebraska, early on he developed a passion for hunting, fishing, and competitive shooting earning the Distinctive Marksman classification and three Life Master certifications. He remained an active member of local rifle, pistol, and shotgun clubs until his late 70's.

After completion of his instrument technician training, he married the love of his life, Hope Leeper. They had two children, Judy Lynn and Robert Bruce.

In 1951 the family relocated from Steamboat Springs Colorado to Richland. Dad loved it immediately; a job he loved, great schools for his kids, and lots of hunting and fishing. These were the good years: neighbors became friends, then family, weekends of camping, fishing, and hunting, buying a home, and always studying and ''thinking''.

Dad will be best remembered for his ''stories'', his ready smile and chuckles, and his extensive knowledge and skills which he generously shared with family and friends. One of Dad's close friends provided a fitting epitaph, ''Anyone who met Bill Keplinger, learned something from him''.

Bill is survived by: his daughter, Judy Keplinger of Richland, WA, his daughter-in-law, Carla Keplinger of Atlanta, GA, many nieces and nephews in Nebraska and a huge collection of adopted-family from his years in Richland.

There will be a Celebration of Life service on May 27th at 2PM at Einan's Funeral Home with lots of good stories and fond remembrances.