Leonard Wayne “Len” Jeppeson died on Nov. 19, 2020 at his home in Hermiston at the age of 69.
He was born on Sept. 12, 1951 in Hot Springs, S.D. to Leonard and Betty Jeppeson.
Len was raised and attended schools in Hermiston, graduating from Hermiston High School. He then attended Blue Mountain Community College before going to work at Marlette Homes, where he learned every aspect of carpentry, welding, electrical and plumbing. In 1985 he went to work for the Oregon Department of Transportation, becoming an engineering inspector and CAD machine operator. Len retired from ODOT in 2009 and went to work for Anderson Perry engineering firm, working part time until his death.
From a young age, Len was obsessed with hunting (birds, deer, elk, antelope and bear) and fishing (from crappie to sturgeon). His prize was a 150-pound halibut caught in Alaska. Len was always building something – our home, trailers, corrals and farm equipment – usually from just a sketch. His latest passion was farming. He and his wife operated Len, the Hay Guy custom haying and raised Black Angus cattle. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Barb; sons, Mike, Jeremy, Chad, Derek and Josh; sisters, Linda Shelly, Vickie Koch and Lori Matthews; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and his big Yellow Dog. Len succumbed to cancer after bravely fighting it for three years. His signature saying was, “If you need anything give me a holler.” So when you see a friend, a neighbor, a stranger struggling, lend a hand in memory of Len. A gathering will be held next year when the weather warms.
Please share memories of Len with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
