Joseph H. Eppers

Joseph (Joe) Henry Eppers, 93, passed away peacefully into the gates of heaven on August 14, 2022. He was born on October 22, 1928, to the late Henry and Elizabeth (Kauffman) Eppers. Joe is survived by sisters, Patricia (Ronald) Ganger of Dowagiac MI and Doe (Tony) Terlep of Elkhart, and his five children; Carla (Chris) Buhler of Indianapolis, Matthew (Marcia) Eppers of Union MI, Richard (Laurie) Eppers, Amy Fassler both of Elkhart and Joseph (Shelley) Eppers of Newtown CT; 19 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren (with one more on the way). He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Connie of 72 years, sisters Maxine Bixby and Marian Szobody, and his great-grandson, Michael Eppers.

Joe married Connie on July 4, 1949, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Elkhart, Indiana. That day was the hottest on record, and the church had no air conditioning. It was the first of many wonderful and exciting days for them and their five children as he led them through his incredible life journey.

Joe graduated from Elkhart High School in 1946 and worked at Conn Instruments, where his father worked. Joe earned a degree in drafting and engineering at night school while later serving two years in the U.S. Naval Reserves from 1952-54. He went on to lead a successful career at NIBCO and was instrumental in designing several of their production machines that, by his account, many are still in use today. Joe had an entrepreneurial passion and loved to build things. While working full-time and with the help of family and friends, he designed and built a beautiful tri-level house for his young family. He later turned his passion into building a successful restaurant chain. On January 20, 1968, Joe and Connie gambled everything and opened up Shakey's Pizza Parlor, eventually becoming one of Elkhart's most popular and family-fun destinations. He ultimately opened four more locations and was known everywhere as “Mr. Shakey.” To this day, former customers and employees would convey to him the fond memories they had of Shakey’s.

Joe selflessly served his community and St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church for many years. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for over 70 years, leading the Friday Night Fish Fry for over 20 years. In retirement, he was very active. Most mornings found him at early Mass, followed by a good workout at the YMCA, and then on to breakfast with his many friends. You could also find him playing golf twice a week at Christiana Creek into his mid-80s. Joe loved to travel and enjoyed many trips traveling the globe with Connie and friends. Joe had a deep faith in God and family that was central to how he lived his life. He was the rock of the Eppers family and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Elkhart, on Friday, August 19, from 3 to 6 p.m., with the praying of the Rosary at approximately 6 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial service will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1405 N. Main St. in Elkhart, on Saturday, August 20, at 11:30 a.m. The Reverend Levi Nkwocha will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21297-0303.

Condolences may be made online to Joe’s family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com

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