Frosty Kepler, a longtime resident of Laramie, passed away in his sleep on Sunday, July 23, 2023. He was 89 years old.
Frosty was the second son of Forrest M. and Bernice (Stivers) Kepler of Cheyenne. He earned his Bachelor of Science degrees in Geology and Civil Engineering at the University of Wyoming, spending his free-time mountain climbing and skiing.
Frosty married his one true love, Harriett (Housel) Kepler, a fellow University of Wyoming graduate, in 1957. Harriett was an Iowa girl who took Frosty’s rough-hewn nature and forged into the man he would become. Her iron will is wrapped in midwest politeness. They have been life-partners for over 66 years.
Frosty started working for H.T. Person at Banner Associates in Laramie. Frosty built a number of dams while working for Banner, including Rob Roy, Hog Park, and Grey Rocks Dams. Starting as a field-engineer, working up to become a project manager, he eventually became the CEO of the company.
Forrest was a member and later Chairman of the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees. He was well respected for his ability to solve the problem at hand by building consensus and minimizing drama. He then joined the University of Wyoming Foundation, eventually serving as President. Frosty also volunteered with Climb Wyoming, whose mission is to assist low-income single mothers to self-sufficiency through career training and placement.
Frosty was preceded in death by his parents, his brother (Charles Kepler of Cody, WY) and two sons (Courtney Kepler of Casper and Christopher Kepler of Laramie.)
Frosty is survived by his wife Harriett; his son Bill and Laura Kepler of Golden Colorado; his daughter in-law Annie Kepler of Casper; and three grandchildren: Mariah, Jacob, and Calum.
Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the UW College of Engineering, Climb Wyoming https://donate.climbwyoming.org/give and/or ARK Regional Services at https://www.arkregionalservices.org/donors.
16 Comments To "Forrest M. “Frosty” Kepler"
#1 Comment By Beth Ward On July 25, 2023 @ 11:02 am
I will miss Frosty! He was a friend and mentor to me at a special time in my life, and I will always be grateful for our time together – collaborating, making plans and building things, laughing along the way.
#2 Comment By Gregory Dyekman On July 25, 2023 @ 1:26 pm
It was my pleasure and privilege to serve with Frosty on the UW Foundation Board. He was a good leader and a forward thinker. He advocated for use of laptops by all board members of the Foundation instead of big paper board books, and although it didn’t happen during his term with the Foundation, his view has now prevailed. I thought of him and smiled every time I attended a board meeting armed with my laptop. Frosty will be missed!
#3 Comment By Dee Afflerbach Swanson On July 25, 2023 @ 8:14 pm
Harriett and family, condolences from the Afflerbach family! So many wonderful memories!
#4 Comment By Mary Elizabeth Galvan On July 26, 2023 @ 6:26 am
I am so sorry, Harriet. I enjoyed Frosty and his sense of humor very much, and admired and respected you both. I was just telling someone the other day about his response when the Laramie City Council had passed a public nudity ordinance: he said there were only two days in a year when it was warm enough to be a public nude, and on those days the mosquitoes will get you! I am thinking about you. Maribeth Galvan
#5 Comment By Beth Sanchez On July 26, 2023 @ 6:27 pm
Harriet,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed seeing you and Frosty, and of course Chris. Please know that you are in my thoughts ❤️
#6 Comment By Tammy Comer On July 27, 2023 @ 9:04 am
Harriet and Family: we are so sorry for your loss and hope that at this difficult time, your warm memories comfort you. Tammy Comer and your friends at the Eppson Center.
#7 Comment By Lorri Nichols Hoffman On July 27, 2023 @ 1:12 pm
Dear Kepler Family, I was so sorry to hear of Frosty’s passing. Frosty was the best man at my parents wedding in 1957, Ted and Sharon Nichols, so we grew up knowing what a wonderful man Frosty was. I came across Mom and Dad’s wedding video a couple of weeks ago and watched it again today. My Dad thought the world of Frosty and was forever grateful for his friendship for so many years.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lorri Nichols Hoffman
#8 Comment By William and Margo Bennett On July 27, 2023 @ 3:43 pm
Margo and I are saddened to hear of Frosty’s death. We have fond memories of adventures during shared vacations in Santa Fe, and weekends skiing in Steamboat Springs. Frosty’s accomplishments as an engineer and his several local and statewide leadership roles compose a remarkable legacy. He managed all this while being a loving husband and father. Bon Voyage, Frosty.
#9 Comment By Joe Cor On July 28, 2023 @ 3:58 pm
Harriet and Bill, my deepest condolences. You and Frosty are in my prayers.
#10 Comment By Steve and Sandy Adams On July 29, 2023 @ 9:21 am
Steve and Sandy Adams
Dear Harriet, Bill, and family,
We were so saddened to learn of Frosty’s death. As with so many others, we have such fond memories of his wit and humor, always having so much fun at Banner gatherings–holiday parties, Banner family picnics, and such a great time working with him on Mike Sullivan’s gubernatorial campaign, to mention but a few. He was truly a statesman in the very best sense of the word. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Happy trails to you dear friend! Steve and Sandy
#11 Comment By E. G. Meyer On July 29, 2023 @ 3:50 pm
Dear Harriet, Barb is visiting her kids so I am without wheels. Please accept my sympathy. I knew Frosty as a fine friend and a very able person. I will miss him. Love to you and Bill. Gerry Meyer
#12 Comment By Mike and Cady Purcell On July 30, 2023 @ 7:07 am
Mike and Cady Purcell: Frosty was a good friend and mentor. He hired me in 1975 to work at Banner Associates. He led me through many projects including Grayrocks Dam near Wheatland. He was a great guy and enjoyed his profession. We had many good times.
#13 Comment By Vicky Kmetz On July 30, 2023 @ 1:21 pm
Harriett, Annie and Calum- So sorry for your loss. Frosty was a good man. I worked on the Climb Wyoming Board with him and he cared so much about helping others.
#14 Comment By Mary Lee Niethold On July 31, 2023 @ 5:57 am
So sorry for your loss. A wonderful human being who accomplished so much. Among his minor accomplishments — he taught me ( the least athletic person at UW) to ski at Medicine Bow in the mid-fifties.
Mary Lee Niethold
#15 Comment By Paul Joy On July 31, 2023 @ 12:14 pm
Condolences from a long-time-ago friend.
#16 Comment By Cheryl Finley On September 19, 2023 @ 7:45 pm
So very sorry to hear of Frosty’s passing. He was a great and kind man. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Cheryl Schroeder Finley