Rev. Ira Clay Keperling

September 13, 1923 - December 30, 2014

YORK Rev. Ira Clay Keperling, 91, went from life to life eternal at 10:02 a.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2014, at Normandie Ridge Senior Living Community. He was the husband of Elizabeth Z. (Zeigler) Keperling, who entered into rest on January 27, 2011. He was born in Manor Township, Lancaster County, on September 13, 1923, and was the son of the late Orvin and Mary (Groff) Keperling. He graduated from Penn Manor High School in 1940 and later attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Ill., where he met his wife, Elizabeth. The couple married on September 9, 1944, and shared 66 years together. Following his marriage, Ira graduated from Western Maryland College in 1954 and Wesley Theological Seminary in 1957. During his ministerial career Rev. Keperling served the Manchester Charge of the Evangelical United Brethren Church (Bixlers, Millers Station, and Mt. Zion Churches), the Winterstown E.U.B. Church, Winterstown Emanuel E.U.B. Church in Hagerstown, Md., Govans United Methodist Church in Baltimore, Md., Greenbelt U.M. Church in Greenbelt, Md., and Rehoboth U.M. Church in Williamsport, Md. He finished his retirement years working with Kapp Advertising in Hanover. His retirement years were spent in Fairfield and at Normandie Ridge, where he and his wife lived for 17 years. Ira was also a member of Messiah U.M. Church in York. Surviving are three sons, David L. Keperling (Kathy) of York, Paul L. Keperling (Kathleen) of Narberth, Pa., and Robert E. Keperling (Jane) of Anderson, S.C.; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. He was one of eight children and was preceded in death by five brothers and sisters. There will be a viewing on Saturday, January 3, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Winterstown United Methodist Church, 12184 Winterstown Road, Felton. Burg Funeral Home, Inc., 134 W. Broadway, Red Lion, will be assisting the family with the arrangements. A Service of Honor and Praise for Ira will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the church with the Rev. Keith J. Schmuck, pastor of Winterstown U.M. Church, officiating. Burial will be at Winterstown U.B. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be offered to Winterstown United Methodist Church, Going Green Fund, 12184 Winterstown Road, Felton, PA 17322.