Pastor Keplinger…you will be missed! You were an amazing man…never one to think about quitting…never one to use the word retire. You just kept going…right to the very end.

I was humbled…saddened and filled with Joy on Wednesday as we stood by your bed…as you left this place and walked into the arms of Jesus. I was humbled that I could be with a man as great as you as you took those steps…I was saddened because I knew I was going to miss you…and I was filled with Joy because I knew that even as our the tears were streaming down our cheeks…you were dancing and singing with the angels.

As the song says…

Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live
To teach us how to give
To guide us with a light of love

This Pastor Keplinger was you…an angel sent from Heaven above.

To me you were a grandfather…a mentor…and my hero. I will never forget all of the times that you stood by my side…when I walked with God…and when I walked away from God. You were there.

You never judged me…but always tried to steer me in the right direction. Your unconditional love…your unconditional giving…and your eternal truths have helped make me and many others who we are today.

The lives of my family are forever changed for the better because of you. You will be missed. But I know…I even smile…knowing that you are dancing with the angels today! You are where you have always dreamed…preached…and thought about being.

Surely Heaven is a better place…because you are there.

You are my angel…

Till we meet again...Pastor K...till we meet again