Frosty Kepler, a longtime resident of Laramie, passed away in his sleep on Sunday, July 23, 2023. He was 89 years old.
Frosty was the second son of Forrest M. and Bernice (Stivers) Kepler of Cheyenne. He earned his Bachelor of Science degrees in Geology and Civil Engineering at the University of Wyoming, spending his free-time mountain climbing and skiing.
Frosty married his one true love, Harriett (Housel) Kepler, a fellow University of Wyoming graduate, in 1957. Harriett was an Iowa girl who took Frosty’s rough-hewn nature and forged into the man he would become. Her iron will is wrapped in midwest politeness. They have been life-partners for over 66 years.
Frosty started working for H.T. Person at Banner Associates in Laramie. Frosty built a number of dams while working for Banner, including Rob Roy, Hog Park, and Grey Rocks Dams. Starting as a field-engineer, working up to become a project manager, he eventually became the CEO of the company.
Forrest was a member and later Chairman of the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees. He was well respected for his ability to solve the problem at hand by building consensus and minimizing drama. He then joined the University of Wyoming Foundation, eventually serving as President. Frosty also volunteered with Climb Wyoming, whose mission is to assist low-income single mothers to self-sufficiency through career training and placement.
Frosty was preceded in death by his parents, his brother (Charles Kepler of Cody, WY) and two sons (Courtney Kepler of Casper and Christopher Kepler of Laramie.)
Frosty is survived by his wife Harriett; his son Bill and Laura Kepler of Golden Colorado; his daughter in-law Annie Kepler of Casper; and three grandchildren: Mariah, Jacob, and Calum.
Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the UW College of Engineering, Climb Wyoming https://donate.climbwyoming.org/give and/or ARK Regional Services at https://www.arkregionalservices.org/donors.
So very sorry to hear of Frosty’s passing. He was a great and kind man. Please accept my sincere condolences. Cheryl Schroeder Finley
Condolences from a long-time-ago friend.
So sorry for your loss. A wonderful human being who accomplished so much. Among his minor accomplishments — he taught me ( the least athletic person at UW) to ski at Medicine Bow in the mid-fifties. Mary Lee Niethold
Harriett, Annie and Calum- So sorry for your loss. Frosty was a good man. I worked on the Climb Wyoming Board with him and he cared so much about helping others.
Mike and Cady Purcell: Frosty was a good friend and mentor. He hired me in 1975 to work at Banner Associates. He led me through many projects including Grayrocks Dam near Wheatland. He was a great guy and enjoyed his profession. We had many good times.
Dear Harriet, Barb is visiting her kids so I am without wheels. Please accept my sympathy. I knew Frosty as a fine friend and a very able person. I will miss him. Love to you and Bill. Gerry Meyer
Steve and Sandy Adams Dear Harriet, Bill, and family, We were so saddened to learn of Frosty's death. As with so many others, we have such fond memories of his wit and humor, always having so much fun at Banner gatherings--holiday parties, Banner family picnics, and such a great time working with him on Mike Sullivan's gubernatorial campaign, to mention but a few. He was truly a statesman in the very best sense of the word. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Happy trails to you dear friend! Steve and Sandy
Harriet and Bill, my deepest condolences. You and Frosty are in my prayers.
Margo and I are saddened to hear of Frosty’s death. We have fond memories of adventures during shared vacations in Santa Fe, and weekends skiing in Steamboat Springs. Frosty’s accomplishments as an engineer and his several local and statewide leadership roles compose a remarkable legacy. He managed all this while being a loving husband and father. Bon Voyage, Frosty.
Dear Kepler Family, I was so sorry to hear of Frosty's passing. Frosty was the best man at my parents wedding in 1957, Ted and Sharon Nichols, so we grew up knowing what a wonderful man Frosty was. I came across Mom and Dad's wedding video a couple of weeks ago and watched it again today. My Dad thought the world of Frosty and was forever grateful for his friendship for so many years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lorri Nichols Hoffman
Harriet and Family: we are so sorry for your loss and hope that at this difficult time, your warm memories comfort you. Tammy Comer and your friends at the Eppson Center.
Harriet, I’m so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed seeing you and Frosty, and of course Chris. Please know that you are in my thoughts ❤️
I am so sorry, Harriet. I enjoyed Frosty and his sense of humor very much, and admired and respected you both. I was just telling someone the other day about his response when the Laramie City Council had passed a public nudity ordinance: he said there were only two days in a year when it was warm enough to be a public nude, and on those days the mosquitoes will get you! I am thinking about you. Maribeth Galvan
Harriett and family, condolences from the Afflerbach family! So many wonderful memories!
It was my pleasure and privilege to serve with Frosty on the UW Foundation Board. He was a good leader and a forward thinker. He advocated for use of laptops by all board members of the Foundation instead of big paper board books, and although it didn't happen during his term with the Foundation, his view has now prevailed. I thought of him and smiled every time I attended a board meeting armed with my laptop. Frosty will be missed!
I will miss Frosty! He was a friend and mentor to me at a special time in my life, and I will always be grateful for our time together - collaborating, making plans and building things, laughing along the way.