Obituary of Frank Krepelka

Frank Krepelka passed away Sunday morning, Nov. 9, 2008 after a valiant battle with cancer. Born on Nov. 17, 1933 in Berlin, Pennsylvania, Frank enjoyed a challenging but memorable life on the family farm with 4 brothers and 4 sisters. He served 4 years in the U.S. Army in post WWII Europe. He worked most of his professional life as a maintenance electrician, including 20 years at Owens-Corning Fiberglass in Santa Clara and, later, 20 years at Johns-Manville in Willows. He moved his family from Los Gatos in 1974 to a small farm in Orland. He later lived in the Capay area and, finally, Chico. Frank was a hard working man throughout his life. Still, he enjoyed the outdoors, including camping and fishing. In later life, he enjoyed gardening as well. He also was a regular attendee of his children's and grandchildren's sporting events. He is survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Jennie; sons and daughter-in-laws, Larry and Lee Krepelka of Colfax and Rick and Rose Krepelka of Chico; and daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Mike Chappell of Sonora and Marcy and Steve Reise of Chico; 10 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; brother, John of Berlin, Pennsylvania and sister, Aggie Brown of Braidwood, Illinois. He will be particularly missed by his special friend, Jane Wiens of Chico who brought him great joy the last year of his life. He was preceded in death by brothers, Joe, Jim and Lou and sisters, Ann, Rosie and Emma. No service was held per Frank's wishes, though a gathering of close relatives and friends to celebrate his life was held Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008 at his son, Rick's home in Chico. Frank's remains will be cremated and sent to their final resting place on the family farm in Pennsylvania. Remembrances and donations may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society through Brusie Funeral Home in Chico.