Senator Charles F. Eppers View All Years

CHARLES F. EPPERS

Charles F. Eppers was born on September 16, 1919, in Keokuk to Frederick and Bertha Eppers. He passed away on January 17, 1999, at the age of seventy-nine years. Charles Eppers and Ferne Flambeau were married on August 30, 1975. He is survived by his wife, Ferne; a stepdaughter, Linda Schilson, of St. Petersburg, Florida; three stepsons, Roger Flambeau of Durham, North Carolina, Larry Flambeau of Keokuk, and Randy Flambeau of Warsaw, Illinois; nine stepgrandchildren; eight stepgreat-grandchildren; two sisters, Viola Cramer and Marjorie Huston of Keokuk; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Charles Eppers served as an Air Force bombardier during World War II. He was very instrumental in the development of the toll-free Keokuk-Hamilton Bridge. He owned and operated several Chuck Wagon Cafes and the Eppers Hotel. Charles enjoyed many activities, some of which were hunting, fishing, biking, and being with his family, and he was an avid reader.

Mr. Eppers was a long-time member of the Elks Lodge #106, a 52-year member of the American Legion, a past member of the Moose Club, a past member of the Masonic and Fez Club, a past president of Keokuk Jaycees, and a member of the St. Paul United Church of Christ. He was a former member of the Lee County Board of Supervisors.

Charles Eppers was a Lee County Democrat, and in 1958 he was elected to the Senate, where he served in the 58th and 59th General Assemblies until 1962. After leaving the Legislature, he became the mayor of Keokuk from 1972 to 1978.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF IOWA: That in the passing of the Honorable Charles F. Eppers, the State has lost an honored citizen and faithful and useful public servant, and that the Senate by this resolution expresses its appreciation of his service to the State and tenders its sympathy and kindest regards to the members of his family.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That a copy of this resolution be spread upon the Journal of the Senate and that the Secretary of the Senate be instructed to forward an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.

MARK S. SHEARER, Chair

GENE FRAISE

JOHN JUDGE

Committee