Obituary of Arthur "AJ" Julius Eppler

Arthur Julius Eppler was born on March 12, 1984 in Monroe. He was the oldest of three children born from the union of Robert Karl Eppler and Jayne (Terrasi) Eppler-Boddy. A.J. was a natural born leader and an outstanding three sport athlete. He earned two varsity letters on the football team and was selected Most Valuable Player his senior year, two-year varsity basketball team member, and the closing pitcher on the mound of the Division 2 State Champion Baseball Team in Battle Creek in 2002. A.J. graduated in 2002 and continued his education and baseball at Northwood University where he earned a Bachelor Degree in Business with a focus on Automotive Aftermarket. As an athlete, A.J., was described as being “Our Core, Our Leader, Our Rock” of the football team. He was the Pied Piper without the Flute, he exuded confidence without saying a word, showing determination and passion in his eyes. As a professional, he was equally respected and highly in demand. A.J. was a successful salesperson, being employed the past two years for Sia Abrasives a subsidiary of Bosch Industries. He was knowledgeable about his products, a great listener, very observant, and was often able to lend advice to clients to help their process. A.J. had attended St. Anne Catholic Church, was a member of the Monroe Moose Lodge, and was recently inducted into the Jefferson High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He enjoyed auto racing being at the helm of his father’s high school dragster. A.J. was very personable, soft spoken, but well-spoken. Popular and well-loved, he had a unique presence, with a great sense of humor, and a quick wit, and was a role model to his siblings and friends. A wonderful son, brother, and friend, A.J.’s favorite title was that of father. He always seemed to place the needs of his son: Ayden first. The two were an inseparable pair doing many activities together including: golfing, bowling, swimming, and other sports. A.J. enjoyed staying in shape being an avid weight lifter. A.J. Eppler, age 32, of Monroe died on Saturday, March 4, 2017 from injuries sustained in a snowmobile accident in Kalkaska County. Even in death, he gave others hope as a donor through Gift of Life Michigan. To cherish his memory, he leaves a son: Ayden of Monroe; his parents: Jayne Eppler-Boddy (Bill Boddy) of Monroe and Robert K. (Barbara) Eppler of Newport; twin siblings: Alyssa Eppler (Tarrah Beyster) of Temperance and Angelo (Mara) Eppler of Monroe; Ayden’s mother: Tabitha Eppler; many aunts and uncles, numerous cousins, and many, many close friends. Friends may gather from 1:00pm until 8:00pm on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 and from 10:00am until a Celebration of His Life at 11:00am on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Merkle Funeral Service; South Monroe, 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe for burial. Memorials are suggested to the family. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.