Joseph Hepp

Joseph Hepp, one of Gods earthly bound angels, was called back to heaven.He died unexpectedly doing what he loved best.He passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2012 on his way home from a bountiful day of fishing with a son at the age of 82.Visitation will be Friday, January 27, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Schnider Funeral Home.Family services will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Joseph Hepp was born March 16, 1929 to Blasius and Elsa Hepp in Alleshausen, Germany.After completing his education, he worked on the family farm.It was there that he met a wonderful young woman, Margaret Schwarz, who he married in 1949.In June 1951, Margaret and Joseph, along with their first-born, moved to the United States.Together with their love, vision and determination, they made their home west of Great Falls.It was here that they raised a large family of 12 children.Joseph worked very hard to support his family at a number of local businesses including Star Dairy, Graham & Ross, ConAgra and Cereal Foods West.Additionally, he always had time for his children and grandchildren.He could often be spotted carrying his boys on his shoulders while hunting, lifting a daughter over a rocky creek in order to go fishing or gently guiding a grandchild through his raspberry patch.Joseph was proud of his German heritage and instilled in his children and grandchildren a strong work ethic, compassion and generosity for others and the highest level of honesty and integrity.Since the death of his beloved wife, friends described Joseph as the, Closest person to God they knew.Josephs hobbies, simply, were acts of kindness.Family, friends, neighbors, mailmen, healthcare workers and organizations like Meals on Wheels were often showered with fresh vegetables from his garden during the summer and fresh bread that he baked during the winter.He rarely missed his weekend fishing trips and often gave his bounty to others.Josephs compassion, kindness and generosity are an example for all.Joseph will be truly missed.Survivors include his two sons, George Hepp and wife, Paula Jean, of Liberal, KS and Joe E. Hepp and wife, Debbie, of Great Falls; nine daughters, Annemarie Neiffer and husband, Junior, of Great Falls, Gerda Kelly and husband, Jim, of Aurora, CO, Irene Tapner and husband, James, of Sugar Land, TX, Diana Bell of Great Falls, Regina Hillesheim and husband, Greg, of Eagan, MN, Rosemary Zitzner and husband, Ernie, of Clinton, Margie Hepp of Frisco, TX, Karon Hepp of Great Falls and Sharon Hepp of Minneapolis, MN; brother, Karl Hepp, and sister, Paula Hepp, of Alleshausen, Germany; 23 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents, Blasius and Elsa Hepp, his wife, Margaret Hepp, a daughter, Irene Margaret Hepp and a son-in-law, Gary D. Bell.In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorials to Eagle Mount-Great Falls, 4792 13th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405.