Gerald L. Hephner

Gerald L. Hephner (Pastor Jerry) A life long servant of the Lord, went home to his eternal reward on Monday, August 15, 2022. Gerald was born August 22, 1926 to Russell Hephner and Edna (Cook) Hephner of Hudson, Michigan, where he spent his childhood. He faithfully served in World War II as a Navy Seebee and was stationed in Guam and remained there until the end of the war. Gerald married the love of his life, Janet Climo, on September 4,1948. They had 4 children together. In his younger years Gerald experienced many memorable adventures, as he enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles and learned to scuba dive. He loved flying and received his pilot's license. Gerald worked with his father in the farm implement business for several years. He also became an excellent auto body repairman. Most of Gerald’s adult life was dedicated to serving the Lord as Pastor of several churches across Michigan, the last being Abundant Life Ministry in Temperance, Michigan. While fulfilling his pastoral calling he taught and preached the full gospel of Jesus Christ and was instrumental through the Holy Spirit in leading many souls to the Lord. He retired from the ministry in his mid 80’s after over 40 years of faithful dedicated service to the Lord. Gerald spent his remaining years living in the beautiful mountains of Tennessee with his son Dan and Dan's wife Linda until his passing. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Janet, and sister Phyllis Hephner. Left to cherish his memory are his children Steve (Deb) Hephner, Sue (Jud) Nixon, Dan (Linda) Hephner and Matt (Kim) Hephner. Also cherishing his memory are his 9 loving grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren. His brother David (Jayne) Hephner, sister Doris (Ken) Slagle and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. There will be a memorial celebration of life service on Sunday morning, October 16, 2022 at 10:30 AM, in lieu of the regular morning service at Abundant Life Ministry, 8971 Lewis Ave., Temperance, Michigan. A fellowship dinner will follow the service in the church hall. Gerald has been cremated and will be buried alongside his wife in Hudson, Michigan. Any memorial contributions may be made to Abundant Life Ministry in his honor.