Photo courtesy of Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin
Jan 11, 1939 - Jan 13, 2026
Marilyn tutored my son, Joey Neubauer one year. He later got master´s degree in business & married a teacher who also has master degree. What a wonderful neighbor she was.
Marcia Neubauer
February 02, 2026 | Other
I have many fond memories of Mrs. Eppler from my years attending St. Joe's in the 1990s. After all this time, I still remember the joy and excitement I felt during visits to the library when Mrs. Eppler would read to our class. Her love for literature was inspiring to me. She cared deeply about each student and truly fulfilled a vocation in education. One specific memory was when she encouraged me to start reading Brian Jacques' Redwall series. That very same book series now sits on the...
David Sonderman
January 18, 2026 | St. Louis, MO | Student
Marilyn and I taught together for 10 years at St.Joe's. She also taught my daughter who remembers her fondly. Marilyn was the consummate teacher before she became dedicated to the library as well as in the library. Since I left St. Joe's to teach in high school we kept in touch through Facebook. I am right behind her in age so I was envious of her trip to Italy. What a glorious way to celebrate our 80's! You were a great woman and teacher!!
Kathy Oswald
January 18, 2026 | Manchester, MO | Coworker
Marilyn was a faithful, dedicated teacher- so sincere and a supportive presence to students and faculty. Joan DiProspere, SSND
January 17, 2026
Marilyn was an amazing, wonderful coworker and friend. Her smile was
warm, engaging, welcoming, and genuine. There was no such thing as a stranger for Marilyn. She was totally committed to her ministry of teaching, loving her students, challenging them to be their very best, both as a student and as a person - her students loved her, and parents appreciated her in every possible way. I can still picture her in the library, smiling, enthusiastically perusing new editions of...
Sister Pat Lange SSND
January 16, 2026 | Manchester, MO | Coworker
Where to begin
Marilyn’s devotion to her students at St. Joe’s was legendary. She always had their best interests at heart and it was an absolute pleasure working with her.
Her Christmas gifts of homemade cranberry bread were always a treat.
After our retirements, we kept in touch. Most recently we enjoyed the Manchester Parks and Rec Book Club, often followed by lunch at Bandana’s.
One of my fondest memories was shopping with her for a grandmother-of-the-bride dress...
Kacy Ahlstrom
January 16, 2026 | Manchester, MO | Friend
So many wonderful memories! Marilyn was a master teacher and librarian. She was a strong woman of faith. She was a friend to all. Her beautiful smile is the first thing you noticed and her kindness was a gift she gave to everyone. My prayers are with her family as they mourn this extraordinary woman. But she will live on in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I’m grateful to have known her.
Phyllis Fredericksen
January 16, 2026 | Manchester, MO | Coworker
Marilyn "Gramma Books" Eppler January 11, 1939 - January 13, 2026Just two days after her 87th birthday, Marilyn "Gramma Books" Eppler closed her final chapter, leaving behind a legacy written in the hearts of everyone who knew her.The oldest of five siblings-Barbara Hopkins, the late Justine Sherman, Mary Duenke, George Stein, and Laura Taylor. Marilyn spent her life doing what came naturally: teaching, nurturing, and opening minds. After retiring from Saint Joseph's Elementary School, where she taught for 20 years, she simply couldn't stop. She volunteered at her grandchildren’s schools reading to their classes. Retirement, for Marilyn, was just another chapter.Her passions ran deep and wide. She could discuss Asimov and Harry Potter with equal enthusiasm, listened to Gershwin's Porgy and Bess and Aaron Copland, and relaxed with Magnum P.I., Nova, or The Waltons. Monet prints brightened her walls the way her banana bread and Texas sheet cake brightened her table. Nothing beat a good BLT with fresh corn on the cob, barbecued chicken, and a glass of lemonade-preferably shared with family.And what a family. Marilyn is survived by her children Peter Eppler, Dianne Graves, Timothy Eppler, and Jennifer Iversen. Gramma Books was love by 15 grandchildren in blood and love, two great grandchildren, plus two on the way, each one touched by her generous spirit. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, David F. Eppler.If Marilyn taught us anything, it was the Golden Rule and what it means to be genuinely, generously human. Her creativity in engaging students and readers was matched only by her exuberance for teaching and her devotion to faith and family.Gramma Books, your story continues in every life you touched, every lesson you taught, every kindness we pass along. We'll miss you profoundly.Services: Visitation will be held at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Sunday, January 18, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Mass will be celebrated at Ascension Catholic Church, in Chesterfield, Monday, January 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. If desired, donations may be made in memory of Marilyn to Catholic Charities or St. Vincent DePaul Society. Please share memories of Marilyn and condolences with the family in the on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.
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