Frederick Pieper

FREDERICK PIEPER

Tama

Frederick Jerome Pieper, 92, of Tama, passed away Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, at Sunny Hill Care Center in Tama. A Memorial Mass was held Saturday, Sept. 27, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama, with

Father Michael Mescher as celebrant. Interment followed the luncheon at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Tama.

Fred was born March 16, 1922, in Van Horne, Iowa, the son of Joseph and Mary (Becker) Pieper. He graduated from Van Horne High School in 1939. He entered Iowa State College in Ames, but stopped to enlist in World War II in December 1942 in the 14th Armored Division. He was discharged in January 1946 as a sergeant, having received a Bronze Star Medal.

On Dec. 26, 1946, he was united in marriage to Helen Kelly at St. Joseph's Church in Marion. He received his degree in vocational agriculture from Iowa State College in the spring of 1948.

For many years, Fred sold insurance for Farm Bureau Insurance until he and his wife, Helen, opened their own business, Pieper Insurance and Real Estate, in 1973.

Fred was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Tama and Knights of Columbus at St. Patrick's Church. He also was a frequent lector at church. He was active in the 14th Armored Division Midwest reunions and served as president for the Cedar Rapids national reunion. He was active in Kiwanis, serving as a delegate to the International Convention in Indianapolis, and in the American Legion in Tama.

Fred spent many week-ends trout fishing in northeastern Iowa with family and friends. In the fall and winter, he was hunting in Tama County with his sons for pheasants, rabbit and duck. During the summer he was busy growing fruit and vegetables in his backyard.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; his parents; four brothers; four sisters; and one grandson, Steve Waterbury.

Survivors include five children, Ellen (Joe) Waterbury of Fairfield, Megan Paulsen (Leland Bonnell) of Warrenville, Ill., Rand (LouAnn) Pieper of Carmel, Ind., Tom (Linda) Pieper of Warrenville, Ill., and Mike (Becky Zhorne) Pieper of Tama; eight grandchildren, Chris Poggioli, Deb Buch, Mike Waterbury, Brian Paulsen, Alisha Wood, Libby and Elyse Pieper and Emily Jozwiak; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great- grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial fund has been established.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, assisted the family with arrangements.