Michael W. Heppes Sr.'s Obituary
HEPPES, Michael W., age 78, of Bellbrook and formerly of Painesville, Ohio, passed away Monday, October 13, 2025, at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton.
Michael honorably served in the United States Army in the 173rd Airborne Brigade during the Vietnam War. Following his time in the Army, he went to work for Kahoe Air Balance, ultimately becoming a partner and co-owner when opening the Dayton office in 1980. He formally retired in December of 2014 after 47 years of dedicated service to the company.
Mechanically inclined, intelligent, independent, and well-spoken, Michael could fix anything and was always accommodating to those he worked with. Specifically, his contractors always appreciated him for the respect and dedication given to them while working together on jobs.
Earlier in his life, he enjoyed taking his kids fishing, mainly to the Cleveland area. Later in his life, he and his wife owned a home in Panama Beach, Florida, where he occasionally enjoyed fishing from the pier. While living in Ohio and Florida, he always enjoyed watching the world go by while relaxing on the porch. In addition, because he could fix anything, he always seemed to be working on a home improvement project or other upgrade. Among many things, coming from simple means growing up in the Cleveland area, he will be remembered most for the life he built for his family.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda, along with two twin daughters (all unfortunately while giving birth). In addition, he was preceded in death by his second wife, also named Linda, a year and a day from Michael’s death; a son, Kenneth Heppes; his father, Bearnhardt Heppes; and his mother, Doris Vitovich. He is survived by two sons, Michael Heppes Jr. and Jason (Tracy) Heppes; daughter, Karen Butler; three grandchildren, Austin, Matthew, and Melissa; great-grandson, Nathan; and four sisters, Sandy Janz, Debbie Mann (Tod), Diane Richards (Mike), and Nancy Priggans.
Private family services. Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook is serving the family. If desired, contributions may be made in Michael’s memory to a veteran association of your choice or by donating a tree to be planted by the Arbor Day Foundation, www.arborday.org/?form=FUNEEHMZDBM . Condolences may be made to the family at www.connerandkoch.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Michael?
What’s a lesson you learned from Michael?
Share a story where Michael's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Michael you’ll never forget.
How did Michael make you smile?