Keplinger, SteveFrederick Stephen "Steve" Keplinger, 67, passed away Saturday, February 25, 2017, at the Hospice Home of Hope following a long illness. Steve was born on April 14, 1949 in Erwin, TN to the late Frances Irene Helton and Frederick Adams Keplinger. Following his graduation from Unicoi County HS in Erwin, he joined the USAF where he was stationed at Minot Air Force Base in Minot, ND. In 1972 he began his career with the railroad, starting in the yard with Clinchfield RR, progressing to conductor with CSX Transportation and later to Great Smoky Mountain RR. In 1994 he moved to Fond du Lac to work on Wisconsin Central as a conductor and later became an engineer when the line came to be known as Canadian National. Kep (as his railroad buddies called him) was devoted to his wife, family, and faithful dog, Madison; he loved his TN Vols and was an avid NASCAR fan. Steve was a gentle man who characterized all the fine traits of a true southern gentleman. Steve is survived by Janette, his wife of 29 years, step-daughter Nikki Ferriol, granddaughters Chrystina and Kayla Ferriol, great-grandsons Shea Paape and Oliver Uecker, younger sister Melanie (Stephen) Drushel, niece Stephanie and younger brother Douglas.Steve is preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, James.Visitation: Steve's family will welcome friends on Friday, March 3rd, 2017 from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division St in Fond du Lac. A brief memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM.Zacherl Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family. www.zacherlfuneralhome.comThe family wishes to thank each and every individual at the Hospice Home of Hope for the love and compassionate care they gave Steve as well as all of them, including Madison. May God's blessings be upon these angels of mercy.