Loyal E. Shepler, Jr

SHEPLER, Loyal E. Jr.
of Kalamazoo Loyal passed away Saturday morning, June 18, 2011 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. He was born December 19, 1930 in Webberville, MI, the son of Loyal Sr. and Lucille Smith Shepler. On December 9, 1951, Loyal was united in marriage to Norma Smith. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving two years during the Korean Conflict. Loyal was employed by General Motors Fisher Body Plant in Lansing for 35 years, retiring in 1985 as Body Shop Superintendant. During his retirement, he and Norma split their time between St. Cloud, FL and Sandy Pines in Hopkins where he enjoyed many friends and also continued working in the maintenance department for Sandy Pines for the past 20 years. Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Norma Shepler; their three children, Penny Tom Sportel, Mike Mary Shepler, and Tom Luann Shepler; five grandchildren, Shaun Jenny Sportel, Amy Garron Vasilion, Matt Liz Sportel, Dustin Lisa Shepler, and Tyler Jana Shepler; six great-grandchildren; brother, Dorwin Caroline Shepler; sister, Elma Jean Albert Trendel; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents and two sisters, Dorothy Eldred House and Aileen Roy Monroe. A memorial gathering where friends may visit with Loyal's family will be held from 5-8 PM on Wednesday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association.