DODGE CITY – Carolyn Jean Tepe, 81, passed away peacefully Friday, May 20, 2022 at home in Dodge City, Kansas.
She was born on January 8, 1941 the daughter of Warren Wayne and Mildred Lois (Cecil) Hileman. She was a lifetime area resident of Dodge City and one of the many who enjoyed being an active part in the success, legacy, and grand memories of the infamous Lamplighter Club. She was co-owner and operator with her late husband William, “Bill” of the Dago Dugout in Wright Kansas, and then Caroline’s Family Restaurant in Dodge City serving the famously known Lamplighter family style pan fried chicken, and the Dago Dugout House Special, and Beef Pastrami sub sandwiches. Carolyn loved to love on people, and she did so without waiver, unselfishly, and unconditionally her entire life. It’s been simply said, “she was the best cook, baker and Christmas candy maker!”
On February 22, 1963 she married William “Bill” Tepe at Dodge City, Kansas. He preceded her in death on May 11, 2017.
Survivors include: 3 daughters, Jennifer “Jenny” Tepe – Gilliland and husband Joshua, Dublin, California, Haley Tepe and the late Jeff Phil, Aurora, Colorado, and Victoria “Vickie” Tepe – Brownback and husband James, Dodge City Kansas; one brother, Wayne Warren Hileman and wife Barbara, Dodge City; and one bonus brother, Pete Carmichael, Dodge City; 7 Grandchildren; and 6 Great Grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Willis Clifford Hileman, and a sister, Victoria Kay Hileman.
Memorial Services will be held on Friday, June 3, 2022 at 10:00 am at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City with David Johnson officiating. There will be no public viewing, cremation has taken place. Friends and family may sign the register Thursday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Ziegler Funeral Chapel. Inurnment will follow at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Dodge, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Hospice of the Prairie, Fort Dodge Cemetery Memorial Wreath Fund, or the Dodge City Humane Society all in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801. Condolences may be sent to www.zieglerfuneralchapel.com.
