Jeffrey L. Hepner

"Why do husbands die before their wives? Because they want to." - if you knew him, you've heard the joke. Jeffrey Lee Hepner, age 75, of Maumee, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Hospice of Perrysburg Ohio. Born on July 30, 1949, in Toledo, Ohio, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather "papa", uncle, friend, and brother. Jeff graduated from Bowsher High School in 1967 and the University of Toledo in 1971, majoring in business and actively involved with his Phi Kappa Psi brothers. Jeff was known for his business acumen, strategic thinking, passion for golf, and most importantly for not taking life too seriously. A titan in his industry and a valuable sounding board for many organizations, his ability to excel in all aspects of his professional and personal life was admired by his family and anyone who had the honor of working alongside him. After graduation, he followed in his father's footsteps in the sales/distribution and manufacturing business and began his career working for his father's company W.A. Hepner and Associates where he learned the ropes of the industry and was quickly recruited to join Lake Erie Screw Corp in Lakewood, OH. Starting as a territory sales rep with boots on the ground, he continued to excel year after year, ultimately moving up to a VP position until it was time to make a change in 2002 when he accepted a position as President of Telefast Industries in Berea, OH. When he was not traveling in his territory or Cleveland, the family spent weekends at their cottage on Coldwater Lake until 2000. Some of the best memories were made at the lake with friends and family who would visit often. In or around 1998, he invested in a start-up company Ottawa Products. He spent every Saturday morning advising and contributing to what was once a small garage space to a large manufacturing space, and a growing and thriving business today. Jeff was extremely organized and obsessed with all things data-driven. He logged every golf score he earned starting in 1972, every book he read (alphabetically by title), and every mile he rode on his Airdyne exercise bike from 1990 until 2021. By that time, he had logged over one million miles. If he wasn't on the golf course, enjoying time with his grandchildren, traveling, or having dinner with his CCHS Dinner Group, you could find him perched in his favorite spot watching the Cleveland Browns (despite how painful it could be), the Cleveland Guardians, The Ohio State University football, University of Toledo football, or listening to the CCHS Fighting Irish on the radio. He was an extremely loyal fan. Left to cherish this legacy and share his jokes, are his wife of 50 years, Jeni, daughters Ashley Hepner of Cleveland, OH, Rachel Zawodny (Jim) of Maumee, OH, beloved grandchildren Stella and Harrison Zawodny, sister Barb Ossorio of Naples, FL, brother Terry Hepner (Carol) of Maumee, OH, sisters Pam Klein of Mesa, AZ, and MaryBeth Hepner of Mesa, AZ, nephew Anthony Ossorio (Allison) of Jacksonville, FL, niece Courtney McDonald (Sean) of Santa Monica, California, niece Jaimie Stoltzfus (Austin) of McLeod, MT, nephew John Sabbagh of Phoenix, AZ, niece Maya Sabbagh of Mesa, AZ, and great-nieces and great-nephews Kaycen and Elliot Stoltzfus, Caroline and Claire Ossorio, and Avery and Rowan McDonald. He was preceded in death by his parents Wilbert and Gertrude Hepner, in-laws Deane and Joan Hemsoth, and brother-in-law Graeme Ossorio. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 27th, at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd. Toledo, from 2-6 pm with a prayer service at 6:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 28th, at 11:00 am at St. John XXIII, 24250 Dixie Hwy. Perrysburg, Ohio, with a luncheon afterward at the church. The interment will be private following the luncheon. In place of flowers, treat a loved one to a beer, a sporting event, or a round of golf, life is too short not to enjoy those around you. The family requests donations be made to your local Parkinson's Foundation or Alzheimer's Association. The family would like to thank his care team over the last few years for weathering all the challenges that came before him.

Tributes

Jeffrey L. Hepner

July 30, 1949 - October 8, 2024