Kent Donald Hepler ("Doctor K." "Bucky Balboa")

PORTAGE – Kent Donald Hepler ("Doctor K." "Bucky Balboa") born January 31, 1961, to parents Russell D. "HEP" Hepler and Kathleen "Kay" (née Hibner) Thompson passed away on April 30, 2023, when the Heavens cried out in a combination of joy and sorrow at Divine Savior Hospital in Portage, Wisconsin, surrounded by loving family and an amazing and dedicated group of staff.

He was a very hard worker, and did anything, and everything he could for his family and his friends. He provided for his family. Kent had a strong work ethic and a heart of steel and gold. He worked at the same company for several years before having to retire due to health problems. Kent was an avid sports fan and was Facebook's personal sports announcer for the Packers, the Brewers, the Bucks, and the Badgers. He spent his time watching them religiously. Kent was stubborn, and full of fire for what he believed in.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; his two daughters, Amber and Stephany Hepler, and bonus daughter Emily Malkowski; his wonderful grandchildren Isaiah, Alex, Autumn, and Serenity, as well as several fur grandchildren; he is also survived by his sister Dena; brother Dean; sisters-in-law Diana and Wendy; brothers-in-law, Mark and Jim; nieces, Natasha, her husband Chris, and kids, Keira, Kayleigh, and Kaden; nieces, Summer, Angel, Lexi, Caden, Erin Michelle, and Jennifer; nephews, James, Brian, Logan, Micheal George, Donavon, Eric, and Taylor, he is further survived by his loving canine companion, Blackie; good friends, The Chapman Family, Steve Griffey and Family, Jean Hinds; and other good friends, classmates, and loving aunts, uncles, and cousins, which are many.

Kent was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; his mother and father-in-law; a brother-in-law, Doug; cousin-in-law, Shelley; good friend, Becky Dreyer; and many family members over the years.

For his celebration of life please wear Brewers, Badgers, Bucks or Packers gear.  A Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023, at Grace Bible Church, with the Rev. Jeremy Edmondson officiating.  Inurnment will be private.  Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the church.

The family would like to thank his cancer doctors at UW Hospital and Clinic and The Carbone Cancer Center. They would also like to thank the amazing staff of Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital, who helped him during his stay there. 

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.