William Larry Hepler
September 7, 1948 – April 3, 2026
William Larry Hepler known as Bill was born to William Roy and Sylvia Hepler in Pontiac, Michigan.
He spent his early years in Pontiac, but he went on to graduate from Waterford Township High School after the family moved. He continued his education at Oakland Community College, earning an associate degree and distinguishing himself with a natural talent for mathematics.
In 1968, Bill answered the call to serve his country, entering the Army and completing basic training before being deployed to Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in December 1969. It was during basic training that he formed one of the most enduring friendships of his life — meeting Tom Hoard of Oxford, who would remain a lifelong friend.
Following his service, Bill built a distinguished career at General Motors, where he rose to the rank of General Foreman over a 20-year tenure. Upon retiring from GM, he and his wife Ilene set their sights on a new adventure. In 1991, they moved to Walla Walla, Washington, and founded Hepler’s Big Cheese Pizza — a business that would grow into a family legacy. Bill and Ilene returned to Drummond Island in 2007 to enjoy a well-earned retirement, and the restaurant continues to thrive and give back to the community today, just as Bill & Ilene always did.
Retirement suited Bill well. He was at his core, a builder — of a business, of home’s and of friendships.
At his beloved camp on Drummond Island, he restored five cabins relocated from across the island and took on countless other projects, creating a place that became the heart of his retired years. He also had a true passion for cooking and was genuinely gifted in the kitchen — a talent that brought people together around his table time and again. He enjoyed following the stock market as well as watching financial news with genuine enthusiasm and a sharp mind that never stopped working.
Bill was generous — not as an afterthought, but as a way of life. In business, he gave back to local groups and organizations whenever he could. He cared for his parents until their passing and made certain that every one of his grandchildren had the opportunity to pursue a college education or trade school. He was loyal, almost to a fault, and his friends knew it. Whether gathered at Chuck’s, Northwood, or his camp, he cherished the time he spent with the people he loved. Over the years, he shared his home and his heart with many dogs who adored him, just as much as he adored them.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Ilene Hepler; his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Shelley Hepler; his son-in-law and daughter, Rich and Christy Podolski; and his six grandchildren: Caity Micali, Jacob Podolski, Zachary Hepler, Gabriel Podolski, Thomas Hart, and Alaina Flower. He is also survived by two great-granddaughters, Beatrice Podolski and Wrenley Podolski, who will grow up knowing his name and his legacy. To his six grandchildren, he was simply “Papa,” and that name said everything.
He was preceded in death by his father, William R. Hepler; his mother, Sylvia Hepler; his brother, Gary Hepler; and his sister-in-law, Kathy Hepler as well as by many beloved Uncles & Aunts.
Bill Hepler lived with purpose, gave without condition, and built things meant to last — including a family that will carry his spirit forward for generations to come.
In lieu of flowers please donate to either Hospital Hospitality House of Saginaw, 1701 North Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48602 www.hhhofsaginaw.org Or Drummond Island Sportsman’s Club. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.