Lowell "Hoot" Keith Kepner

Lowell “Hoot” Keith Kepner, 86, of Manlius, IL passed away on November 10, 2025, at his home surrounded by loved ones.

Lowell was born on October 31, 1939 in Greenville Township, IL, to Homer and Maurine (Day) Kepner. He married Penny Whitlock on October 17, 1970 in Manlius. She preceded him in death on February 17, 2008.

Lowell faithfully served in the United States Army. He worked at Northwestern Steel and Wire in Sterling for 35 years on the swing shift and became the original night owl; never leaving the swing shift throughout his lifetime. Penny and Hoot owned and operated Beulah’s in Manlius for many years where you would see him playing the slots with his buddy, Art Oldham. Lowell loved to play cards especially poker, or the 3-card game at Michael John’s Shop. He enjoyed many trips to the boat to gamble. Hoot was an avid Rolle Bolle player, but most of all he loved spending time with his family.

Lowell is survived by his children, Michelle Kepner, of Manlius and Dennis Kepner, of Morton; three grandchildren, Devon (Autumn Joiner) Kepner, Landon Kepner, and Conner Miller; and one great grandchild, Cash Kepner; siblings, David Kepner, of Walnut, Dale Kepner, of Marshfield, WI, Kathy Schulte, of Peoria, Kent (Glenda) Kepner, of Racine, WI, and Leo (Cheryl) Kepner, of Bloomington; special nephew Jim “Gabby” Kepner; along with numerous nieces and nephews and friend, Barbara Walton.

Lowell is preceded in death by his wife, parents, sisters-in-law, Bonnie Kepner and Jane Kepner, brother-in-law, Jerry Schulte and niece, Konnie Kepner Swanson.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 PM- 7:00 PM on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton, please come dressed in “Hoot Style”. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Brett Kepner officiating. Burial to immediately follow at Walnut Cemetery in Walnut, IL.

Memorial donations may be directed to Lowell’s family in his memory.