Gary W. Steppler

Gary W. Steppler, 76, of Hazleton, passed away, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.

Born September 7, 1946 in Bryn Mawr, PA, he was the son of the late Rensley Steppler and Frances Fear Steppler. He and the love of his life, his wife of 55 years, Hope (Houston) Steppler, were married on January 27, 1968 in Pink Hill, North Carolina.

Gary served his country honorably and faithfully as a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He served in the Army from September 1968 to September 1971 and spent another four years in the United States Army Reserves.

Gary was an exceptional athlete for Haverford High School and Mount Olive College, where he played basketball and baseball.

Gary spent the majority of his career working in the carpet industry. He was a manager for Chesmont Carpet before moving on to co-own Gary's Carpet Depot in Stowe.

Gary was very active in his community. He was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Amityville, where he served as a deacon and elder. He also ran the take-out at the annual turkey supper. Gary was a member of the Pottstown Building Industries Exchange and was active with the Pottstown Home Show sponsored by the BIE. Most recently, Gary was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Fleetwood.

In retirement, Gary and Hope enjoyed traveling from Colorado to as far as a river cruise on the Danube. What made traveling special for Gary wasn't the destination, but rather the people he met along the way. Most of all, Gary cherished his family and truly enjoyed spending time with his five grandchildren.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Hope, are his two daughters, Julie M. Steppler, Royersford, and Vicki J. (Steppler) Pollard, wife of Justin L. Pollard, Golden, Colorado. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Rilee, Addisyn, Quinn, Elizabeth and Colin.

A Celebration of Life for Gary will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 5 W. Arch Street, Fleetwood, with the Rev. John W. Folk and the Rev. Patrick W. Morris, offficiating.

A vistation will be held, Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary's memory to the Vakpo Fu School Bus, c/o St. Paul's UCC Church, 5 W. Arch St., Fleetwood, PA 19522 or electronically at https://secure.myvanco.com/YPKJ/home . This project is an effort in Ghana, West Africa, to provide school transportation to children who live in remote areas. Gary and Hope visited Ghana in the spring of 2014 to support this mission.

Walbert Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be caring for Gary and his family. Online condolences may be offered at WalbertFuneralHome.com.