FREDERICK K. KEEPFER, JR. – Obituary
Frederick K. Keepfer, Jr., age 94, passed away peacefully on September 16th, 2020, with family by his side. Born in Philadelphia, PA, his family eventually settled in Pittsgrove Township on Willow Grove Lake when he was three years old. Fishing and hunting in his youth, tending to his family’s farm and swimming in Willow Grove Lake. After graduating from Vineland High School, he immediately enlisted in the Army Air Force (now US Air Force) in July of 1944 training as a B-17 armored nose-gunner during World War II for two years. After being Honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant from the Air Force in July of 1946, he attended Glassboro Teachers College (now Rowan University) for two years, transferring to Lasalle University and graduating in 1950 with a BS degree in Business Administration.
He met his sweetheart, Jean, at Interstate Finance in Glassboro and they married on June 14th, 1952 living a wonderful life together, raising three daughters until her untimely death in 1987. Fred was an educator for the Elk Township School District (Aura Elementary School) until his retirement in 2000, continuing to substitute teach in the District until 2013. He was a civic-minded man and contributed his time to numerous organizations which included the Clayton Board of Education for 33 years, Lifetime Member of the Clayton Fire Company, Pitman Masonic Lodge, Kiwanis Club of Clayton where he served as secretary, Member of NJEA, USO and Clayton Trinity United Methodist Church where he taught adult Bible Classes, and coached the Clayton Girls Softball team in the 1970s.
Fred had many interests and always kept busy, enjoying time sailing his 25-foot O’Day Sailboat (Tangerine) on the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays and Sassafras River in Maryland. An interest in all things nature has to offer, canoeing & kayaking on many streams and rivers with the South Jersey Canoe Club up into his seventies.
Fred was a family-oriented man who always enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Predeceased by his parents, Frederick, Sr. and Lena Keepfer (nee Reim); siblings Thomas and Helen Keepfer; his wife, Jean C. Keepfer; his grandson, Adam F. Vendzules, (USMC); and his nephew, Danny Flynn (US Navy).
Survived by his three daughters, Gail Willett (Bill), Carol Vendzules (Peter), Patricia Fox (Larry); six grandchildren Janine Phillips (Matt); Amy Holler (Stephen); Colleen Willett; Beverly Todor (Jeff); Ryan Fox (Amanda) and Todd Fox (fiancee Gina) and 13 great-grandchildren, and many extended cherished family members, friends, and colleagues.
A greatly patriotic man, he will be missed by those who knew his kindness, fairness, and tenacity.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Monday, September 21, 2020, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME, 208 Maple Street, Clayton, NJ 08312. Funeral service and life celebration at 11:30 AM. Interment at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hurffville. In honor of his memory donations can be made of your choosing to the Clayton Fire Company or Clayton Trinity United Methodist Church, 351 Delsea Drive, Clayton, NJ. Sign the guestbook at BarclayFuneralHome.net.
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