Judith Keppler

Judith Ann Keppler, a cherished woman of immeasurable love and strength, passed away Friday, April 4th, 2025, at the abundant age of 85. A longtime resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, she departed this life peacefully in the evening hours. Judith was an active force of encouragement, character and accountability for her family and so many others who knew her. She will be mourned. She will be missed. But above all, she will continue to be loved and celebrated in the minds and hearts of those who contributed words, phrases, or paragraphs to each chapter of her beautiful life story.

"A life well-lived is the most exquisite work of art." Judith Ann Keppler was born the daughter of Jacob John Tacke and Frances Selma Tacke (Shelton). After graduating from Beaumont High School, in Saint Louis, Missouri, Judith would go on to pursue and secure a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Washington University.

"A good wife and health are a man's best wealth." Only after graduating from college did Judith's father allow her to join the man who had been in pursuit of her heart and hand in marriage, Richard Joseph Keppler-the love of her life. For Richard and Judith, marriage brought adventure in the form of frequent travel and two sons, Stephen Joseph and Edward Joseph. As a member of the Air Force, Richard ensured that the Keppler family would not have a boring existence. With Richard holding duty positions in Kansas, New Mexico, Florida, and Washington D.C., Judith was her husband's life co-pilot, as she accompanied him all over the United States and held down the home fort during his tours in Vietnam.

"Life doesn't come with a manual; it comes with a mom." Judith was a loving mother to her boys, Stephen and Edward. She was their most qualified chauffeur, a continuous academic enforcer, and their loudest cheerleader. She was an athletic team Mom, a Den Leader in Cub Scouts, a Scout Mother in Boy Scouts. Judith's family was the priority even while she was participating in Officer's Wives Club activities and leading numerous activities and events in support of our Nation's Airmen.

"The measure of a life is not its duration but its donation." After 28 years, Richard and Judith finally retired to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Upon retirement, Judith and Richard took their passports for a much-needed aggressive spin by traveling the world and embracing each opportunity to share and spend time with close friends and loved ones. Later in life, Judith became an active member of The Retired Officer's Wives Club and The Military Officers Association of America where she acted as Co-Chair for Tour Groups. She was an avid member of the Ski Club and volunteered at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial as a docent. Judith gave her all to any event in which she served or participated. Although every activity she participated in was important to her, the service she held most dear was her participation in the Roman Catholic Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and a member of various Parish Councils.

Judith Ann Keppler was preceded in death by the love of her life, Richard Joseph Keppler and her brother Michael Lee Tacke and his wife Beatty Tacke.

Judith is survived by her two sons, Stephen J. Keppler and Edward J. Keppler, daughter in-law Michele Keppler (Quisel); brother John Lee Tacke (wife Jeanene); four Keppler grandchildren Phillip (wife Alexis), Andrew (wife Flavia), Senna and Cole; two great grandchildren Wren and Griffin; nieces and nephews Scott, Kelli, Michael and Holly.

We thank you and ask that you continue to remember Judith Ann Keppler in your most beautiful thoughts and actions.

Those who desire to attend are invited to the following:

Viewing: April 24th at 3:00PM

Rosary: April 24th at 4:00PM

(French Funerals 7121 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM)

Mass: April 25th at 10 AM

(Reception to follow at Annunciation Parish)

Burial: April 28th at 9:30AM

(Santa Fe National Cemetery)

*In lieu of flowers, the family thanks you for sending donations to:

Animal Humane New Mexico

615 Virginia ST SE

Albuquerque, NM 87108

animalhumanenm.org/donatetoday