Gerald (Jerry) Hepp was born and raised in the Watertown area. Shortly after graduating from Watertown High School, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. Jerry received several meritorious awards in the Corps and was honorably discharged as an E5 after two years. Jerry is an active member of the Marine Corps League in Watertown, was the developer of the Marine Corp League Aero Park, held several offices and received a number of awards, including Marine of the Year, throughout the years. His strong support was an enormous asset to the progress of the Park and the League. Jerry also belongs to several other Watertown organizations: Elks Club, Moose Club, American Legion, and committee member of Chickens Unlimited.

Jerry Hepp Excavating Inc. has been in business for over 35 years. Over the years, Jerry Hepp Excavating Inc. has grown to include 11 employees, 13 trucks and 18 pieces of equipment. Jerry also owns two other businesses in Watertown: Hepp's Warehousing, LLC which has been in business for 30 years, and Hepp Properties, LLC for over 11 years. He is the developer of 56 lots in Hepp Heights subdivision located on the southwest side of Watertown.

Jerry and his wife, Linda, were married in 1979. They have two children, Ryan and Casey, who also live in Watertown. Linda is the secretary/treasurer at the home office. Ryan is co-owner in the family business and has been heavily involved in the day-to-day operations since graduating from Watertown High School in 2001. Ryan married Mallory Crawford on September 19, 2015 and have three children together. Casey is currently an elementary teacher at Lincoln Elementary School here in Watertown. Casey married Travis Riggs in June of 2016 and have two children together. Jerry and Linda are the proud grandparents to five little ones-Colby Hepp, Myles Krueger, Levi Hepp, Elowyn Riggs and Keaton Hepp.