Alfred Bernard “Bernie” Kloeppel, Jr.
Born on August 17, 1953 at Patrick Air Force Base, FloridaDeparted November 20, 2022 in Grant, Florida
Alfred Bernard “Bernie” Kloeppel, Jr. passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at the age of 69 from cancer. Bernie was born on August 17, 1953 at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida and was a lifelong resident of South Brevard County. He grew up on Malabar Road where he went to school at Ruth Henegar Elementary and Southwest Junior High. Bernie was a 1971 graduate of Melbourne Central Catholic High School and attended the University of Florida as a forestry major.
While in Gainesville he spent time canoeing and exploring the springs along the Santa Fe River. Returning home, Bernie worked as a diesel mechanic, as well as a variety of jobs in construction. He lived for a period of time over on the beachside, surfing and surf fishing along with his chocolate lab “Bertha.” In his later years, Bernie moved to downtown Grant and he could often be found at Nelson’s Nursery or fishing at the Stick Marsh and Lake Marion with his Dad. In recent months, he toured the state, revisiting different state parks around Florida.
Bernie was preceded in death by his parents Alfred Bernard Kloeppel Sr. and Betty Louis Barker Kloeppel. Surviving family members include his sisters Mickey (Sonny) Ratliff of Grant, Florida and Marcie Sakers of Archer, Florida; also his nieces Josie Ratliff, Melanie Sakers and Rachel Ratliff; nephew Ethan Ratliff and many cousins.
Calling hours will be Friday, December 2, 2022 from 5 pm until 7 pm with a memorial service at 6 pm at Brownlie Maxwell Funeral Home, 1010 E. Palmetto Avenue, Melbourne 32901. A Graveside service will be on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 10 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery, 1422 Miller Street NE, Palm Bay 32905.