116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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Saturday, March 11, 2023
William P. Peffer
Age: 98
City: Cedar Rapids
Funeral Home
Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service
Saturday, March 11, 2023
William P. Peffer
William P. Peffer
Cedar Rapids
William P. Peffer, 98, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Iowa City and North Liberty, died Saturday, March 4, 2023, at UnityPoint-St. Luke’s Hospital.
William Parker Peffer was born Aug. 17, 1924, the son of Melvin and Esther (Horn) Peffer. As a young man, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy serving during World War II. Bill was united in marriage to VirJean Peterson on Nov. 25, 1946, in Iowa City. Bill worked for many years for the University of Iowa as an electrician, retiring in 1985. He and VirJean were inseparable and had celebrated 70 years of marriage before VirJean’s death in 2017. The couple had lived in North Liberty, Iowa City, McAllen, Texas, and most recently in Cedar Rapids.
His family includes their three children, Barbara Moeller (Del), Katherine Schimelpfening (Bobby), and Thomas Peffer (Carroll); eight grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Bill will also be missed by his Cottage Grove Place community, especially Sharon Aukerman, his friend/companion for the last 5 years.
Special thanks to Dr. James Bell, who ensured the final journey was peaceful and provided compassionate support to the family.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date. To share a thought, memory or condolence with his family please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website at www.gayandciha.com.

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