Memorial services for Kenneth "Kenny" Hepper, 69, of Salinas, CA, will be at 10 AM, Saturday, August 8, 2026, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mobridge. Inurnment will be at Greenwood Cemetery. There will be a prayer service on Friday August 7, 2026, at 7 PM at Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge.

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth Wayne Hepper, who died on July 3, 2026 at the age of 69, in Salinas, California.

Kenny was born to William Raymond Hepper and Cecelia Ann (Imberi) Hepper on May 5, 1957, in McLaughlin, South Dakota. Within 10 years, Kenny became big brother to 5 siblings. Kenny graduated from Mobridge, SD High School in 1975. He was on the wrestling and football teams for several years. While growing up he worked alongside his dad and brothers farming and on the family ranch. His dad was known to brag about the excellent haystacks he could build by the age of 12. His mother recalls that during the Summer, when Kenny was a young boy, his dad would often tell him that he did not have to get up early and go out with him every day. But every morning, Kenny would be dressed and eager to learn more about farming and ranching.

Kenny was married to Anka Sandell in California from 1991-2015. They were blessed with 4 children, Karolina, Alexandra, Sabrina and Troy. Kenny worked in construction all of his adult life, first with Buccaneer Construction. At the time of his retirement, he was a project manager and estimator with Randazzo Demolition, specializing in seismic refitting, making older construction earthquake-safe.

Kenny had many hobbies. Gardening, cooking, fishing, hunting and shooting pool were his favorites. He loved to share the fruit, jellies, salsa and other goodies from his garden. He was also an avid rock hound. Kenny shared his knowledge and love of fishing with his children and grandchildren. He was not a competitive fisherman, but was known to often times come out on top of a friendly fishing competition because he was "good at it". He loved ice fishing and spent many hours on the river if his visits back to South Dakota were in the winter. His sense of humor

and quick wit will be fondly remembered by his family and friends, as will the occasional practical joke he would play on them.

Kenny enjoyed building things and was very proud of his handiwork. However, he felt that his greatest accomplishment was his family and he was most proud of them.

When working to be the best father and friend, Kenny drew strength and encouragement from writing and memorizing many of his favorite bible verses.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Karolina Hepper, Alexandra (Justin) Rapetti, Sabrina (Daniel) Dehart and Troy Hepper, grandchildren Elias and Liora Rapetti and Elowyn DeHart, and the mother of his children, Anka Sandell. He also is survived by his mother, Cecelia Hepper; siblings Kelly Hepper, Larry (Kendra) Hepper, Kim (Leonard) Linde and Jim Hepper; nephews Travis, Clayton and Jake Hepper and niece Laurel Linde, and his best friend and cousin Gary Hepper. Gary was like the third brother Kenny didn't know he needed. He was also

survived by numerous great nephews and nieces, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Hepper, sister, Lauri Beth Hepper,

grandparents Rudolph and Rose Hepper, and John and Helen Imberi. Many aunts, uncles and cousins also preceded him in death.