In Memoriam: Charlie Hepler

The AFSCME Council 13 family mourns the loss of an icon of our union, Charlie Hepler, who passed away on January 5, 2026, at the age of 91. We send our warmest condolences to his wife, son, and loved ones, as we join them in memoriam of a great man. 

For decades, Charlie Hepler was a fixture of Council 13 conventions and conferences. He ran a tight ship selling swag and raising PAL funds at the “Union Label Table,” which to this day is known as “Charlie’s Table.” His voice echoes in all our minds calling out raffle winners: “Blue tickets! Get your blue tickets!”

Charlie bled green and took deep pride in his union. He was a founding member of AFSCME Local 1758, representing workers in the Lancaster School District. He went on to be part of Council 13’s Education Department, working behind the scenes to ensure that our events were a success and our members had the best swag around. 

During his time, Charlie befriended and shared his wisdom with multiple generations of AFSCME members. leaving our union stronger than he found it. 

We are forever grateful to our brother Charlie, not only for his unwavering commitment to this union, but for all the good memories and hearty laughs along the way. We will always remember him fondly. Rest easy, Charlie Hepler.