Professor Ken Heupel Memorial

July 1, 1939 - June 13, 2024

On June 13, 2024, the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology and Fresno State Family lost a passionate alumnus and professor, Kenneth Lee Heupel. Ken was born to Adam and Emma Heupel on July 1, 1939. He was the youngest of five siblings; Violet Marvin, Lorraine and Leo. At a young age, he started showing swine with his brother, Marv, at numerous fairs and expositions.  His passion for agriculture flourished and he decided to pursue a degree in agricultural education from Fresno State.  He earned his Master in Science degree in 1963.

While at Fresno State, he met the love of his life, Marlene Joy Webster.  They soon married and moved to Oregon where Ken began his highly distinguished 60 year career in agricultural education.  While in Oregon, their interest in the sheep business began.  Soon after, they took the sheep with them and moved to Manteca, CA, where Ken continued to teach.  Several years later, they moved to Merced, CA, where they began to raise their family before moving to Le Grand, CA, in 1979, to expand their sheep business and start a family venture.  He eventually returned to his alma mater, Fresno State, where he taught classes for nearly 20 years in agricultural mechanics.   

Ken was a teacher of teachers and had the opportunity to develop the next generation of agriculture educators which was the pinnacle of his career.  When he wasn't in the classroom, Ken could always be found working on metal or wood project in his shop.  He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, hosting holiday celebrations and watching the 49ers and SF Giants.

He is survived by his two sons; Keith, his wife Paula, and their children Alison and Koen; Scott, wife Jackie, and their son, Josh. He is preceded in death by his wives, Marlene Heupel (1986) and Sandra Oberti (2024).

Visitation will be on Friday, July 12 from 3 to 7 pm at Stratford Evans Funeral Home in Merced, CA.  Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 13 at 9 am at Stratford Evans Funeral Home in Merced, CA.  

The family invites you to join them for a celebration of Ken's life after the service at the Heupel home, 2480 S. Burchell Ave., Le Grand, CA 95333 at 12 noon.  Please RSVP to Keith at (209) 761-9011 or Scott at (209) 769-0210.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances may be made to support the mechanized agriculture program at Fresno State.  Please follow the link below.

Professor Ken Heupel Memorial

 

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