Julius J. “Butch” Hepner, age 87, of Russell, PA (formerly of Fairport Harbor, Ohio), died peacefully on Monday, October 7, 2024, at his home in Russell, PA.
He was born on May 26, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio, son of the late Julius and Magdalene (Hartman) Hepner. At the age of 10, his family moved to Fairport Harbor, Ohio where he resided until 2021 when he moved to Russell, PA to be near his daughter.
Butch attended St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School and later, Harding High School in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. He was an active member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. In 1954, Butch joined the United States Air Force where he served as an Airborne Radio Operator. This instilled in him the love of ham radio operation which he continued up until his death as a licensed amateur radio operator with his call sign of WA8CAG.
After his service in the Air Force, Butch was employed at the Lubrizol Corporation in Painesville, OH as a chemical operator until his retirement in 1997. In his spare time, he enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting at his cabin, “Camp Blue Jay” near Rocky Gap in Warren, PA. In his late 40’s, he began running and even competed in several 5k races.
Butch is survived by his children, Dennis Hepner of Fairport Harbor, OH, Diane Anderson and husband Craig of Russell, PA, who was always considered more than a son-in-law to him, and many nieces, nephews and family friends.
In addition to his parents, Butch was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marsha (Mora) whom he married on July 11, 1959, an infant son David, his brother Fr. Ernest Hepner, and his sister Irene Zsitnyar.
Per Butch’s wishes, a private Catholic Ceremony was held at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. with Fr. Richard Tomasone of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, officiating. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery, next to his loving wife, in Painesville, OH.
Memorial donations may be made to The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, or a Humane Society of your choice.
Email condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com

Dear Dennis and Diane, I am so sorry to hear about Butch’s passing. He always was one of my favorite people at St. Anthony’s. I remember too his brother Ernie who taught me at the seminary. I will celebrate a private mas for Butch.
prayers for you,
Fr. Pete Mihalic
Thank you Fr. Pete. We would appreciate you saying a private mass for him.
I’m going to miss all his fb post. He always brought a smile to my face. RIP Mr. Hepner. Fairport Harbor lost a good person but heaven gained an angel.
To the Hepner family,
My father David T. Komendat, formerly of Fairport & Painesville Ohio and myself David S. Komendat, formerly of Painesville, Ohio send our condolences to you all. My father had known Butch for many years and I met Butch while hunting at my uncle’s cabin (Frank Komendat) in Warren, PA.
Butch was a gentleman and always came to visit our camp (Cold Springs Camp) during hunting season. My father is now 86 and I shared the news of Butch’s passing with him this past weekend. He asked that I pass along his warm feelings for Butch and his thoughts for all of you.