Michael Lynn Hepfner

Michael Lynn Hepfner, 47, passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family and closest friends on August 3, 2017 at UNC Hospital.

Born November 13, 1969 to Charles “Bud” William Hepfner and Judith “Judy” Ann(Sprague)(Hepfner) Mosher, Mike grew up in Emporium, PA.

After graduating from Cameron County High School, Mike served in the US Navy from 1987-1993 and was stationed aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (Attack Squad VA-36 Roadrunners) through Desert Shield/ Desert Storm. During these years he found his passion for cooking.

Mike attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he graduated with a Culinary Arts degree in 2001. From there he received an externship at the Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, NC where he worked his way up to Sous Chef with a specialty in Soups, Stocks, and Sauces. In 2004, he started working at The Country Club of North Carolina, Pinehurst, NC, as an Executive Sous Chef.

Mike met Christie (Oldham), the love of his life, in 1992. The two were married in 1994. Together they tackled all of life’s challenges and raised three beautiful daughters, Genna Anne, MacKenzie Rose and Kennedy Jeanell.

He loved spending time with family, cooking, camping, golfing, playing and watching sports – especially Penn State. Mike had a sharp wit and was known for being a jokester. He embodied compassion, serving others through his church and community. Throughout his life, Mike was an inspiration of strength yet always humble; those who knew him were blessed because of it. Above all, he had a love for his family that was paramount.

Mike was preceded in death by his father Charles “Bud” William Hepfner and his Stepfather Robert “Bob” Douglas Mosher.

In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his mother, Judith “Judy” Ann (Sprague) (Hepfner) Mosher of Emporium, PA; brothers Charles “Chuck” Hepfner (Beth) of Emporium, PA and Joseph “Joe” Hepfner (Cristal) of Port Allegany, PA as well as several nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. He shared a special bond with Emily (Hepfner) Gillis (Tirrell) of Aberdeen, NC and Aaron Hepfner (Jessica) of Aberdeen, NC

In Lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Page Memorial United Methodist Church (Soup Kitchen), Pinecrest High School Marching Band in honor of his daughter MacKenzie, or Pinecrest High School Chorus in honor of his daughter Kennedy.

A Memorial Service in NC will be held at Page Memorial United Methodist Church, Aberdeen, NC with Rev. Mike Davis and Rev. Jane Leechford officiating at 10:00am on Saturday, August 19, 2017. A reception will follow at the Country Club of North Carolina.

A Memorial Service in PA will be held at First United Methodist Church, Emporium, PA with Rev Joe Short and Rev. John Spahr officiating at 12:00pm on Saturday, September 9, 2017.

A reception will follow at the Emporium Fire Hall.

Mr. Hepfner’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at Sandhills Sentinel.