On January 18, 2022, Alan Harry Gepfert, 91, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Alan was born on September 24, 1930 in Cleveland, Ohio. Son of Joseph Harry Gepfert and Frieda Natalia Schleicher, he was raised in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He attended Case Western Reserve University earning a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Administration and a Master of Science in Operations Research in 1953, and was a member of the engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi. Alan went on to teach at the University, and during this time met his beloved Mary Caroline Austin. After accepting a position with Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company where he was Director of Statistical research, Alan and Mary soon tied the knot in 1959 in Evanston, Illinois. His next job included a move to the east coast where he was a consultant for McKinsey & Company and then Manager of Financial Systems at Mobil Corporation. Alan was an active member of the Masons since 1973 when he joined the Ivanhoe Lodge in Darien, CT. Alan and Mary retired to their family home in New London in 1987 where he became a member and Past Master of King Solomon’s Lodge No.14 as well as a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason. Always eager to share with others, he was an adjunct professor in the Business departments at Colby Sawyer College and NHTI, along with occasional consulting jobs for local businesses.
Alan was passionate about rocks, fossils and Native American artifacts and culture. He was a self taught stone sculptor producing many beautiful works over the years. Alan could not take a walk without picking up multiple stones that he would later shape, hand polish and transform into gems, hearts being one of his favorites. Every car ride and walk was a lesson in geology! He taught us to be curious and to pay attention to the beauty that surrounds us. Alan was an avid reader, loved playing piano and listening to classical music. His kids, grand kids and extended family remember many a weekend began with music blaring from the kitchen as he prepared his famous pancake breakfast. Alan loved to watch the birds and be in the dirt, whether gardening or building stone walls. Nature was his solace. His calm demeanor, gentleness and selflessness touched many. Known as Papa to his grand kids and their friends, one of the biggest highlights of his life was being a part of their daily lives. Always thoughtful of others, he would ask “how are you” and then listen attentively.
Alan is predeceased by his parents, wife Mary and sons Jeffrey and William Bruce.
He is survived by his daughter Grace (Matthew) Cooper and their sons Max and Noah; daughter Sarah Austin and her family Jeffrey (Kelly) Cooke, Christopher (Ricki) Neri, Jonathan (Christine) Neri and their children Jaina, Aiden and Ava; Son Peter Bruce and children Kristen Salas, Julian and Gavin; granddaughters Brehan Bruce-Cole, Deb Ditchman and Anne Denovellis; Daughters in law Sally Bruce and Andrea Bruce; brother Paul (Bonnie) and nieces Leslie Marting and Holly Kalfas; and a large extended family.
A celebration of life will be held on May 14, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at King Solomon’s Lodge, 464 Elkins Rd, Elkins NH.
Memorial contributions may be made to:
King Solomon’s Lodge “scholarship fund” in the memo line, P.O. Box 295, Elkins, NH 03233; Lake Sunapee VNA and Hospice Care, P.O. Box 2209, New London, NH 03257; or the Mt Kearsarge Indian Museum, P.O. Box 142, Warner, NH 03278
Memorial Service
Saturday, May 14, 2022 11:00 AM
King Solomon's Lodge
464 Elkins Road
Elkins, NH 03233
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