A longtime resident of Jordan, MN, Elmer John Pieper entered eternal peace early Tuesday morning, October 20, 2015, at Oak Terrace Assisted Living, Jordan, MN.
On the family farm in Marystown, MN, Elmer was born to parents, Anton and Theresa (Stemig) Pieper. The seventh of nine children, he learned early the meaning of hard work. After graduating from the eighth grade at Marystown Catholic School, Elmer continued to work on the family farm, and as his older brothers went off to war, more and more duties of the farm were left for Elmer and his brothers Clem and Lenny. During these early hardworking years, Elmer earned the nickname Titan, after a popular McCormick tractor of the day.
It was at a dance at the Carver Pavilion in Carver, MN, that life changed for Elmer. He was introduced to a young lady, Ethel Mae Gregory. The next five years were spent courting. On April 25, 1953, they were married at St. Victoria Catholic Church, Victoria, MN. On November 18, 1953, Elmer was drafted into the United States Army, where he served within the shores of the US, during the Korean conflict. Elmer was honorably discharged on November 17, 1955.
Following in the occupation of many family members, Elmer and Ethel spent most of their years, operating dairy and crop farms. First renting farms for several years in St. Boni and Waconia, MN, it was in 1962, they bought a farm in Jordan. Through the years, Elmer and Ethel were blessed with six children, Gregory, Susan, Bernie, Mark, Laurie and Emily. They too learned, very quickly, the meaning of hard work.
In the years of farming in Jordan, Elmer acquired several Oliver tractors. Oliver was Elmer’s favorite machinery. He also purchased a trucking business. He would delivery livestock to South St. Paul, and on the way home, he would haul back supplies for area businesses. Elmer was a self-made man. He continued to utilize his knowledge and skills as a mechanic, carpenter and as an individual who could fix anything. Upon selling the dairy cows in the early 1990’s and moving into town (Jordan) in 1996, Elmer remained busy. For several years, he worked as a mechanic/handyman at a golf course and at a medical supply store. Yet, he was most happy still working long hours on the farm, his son Mark now operates.
Throughout the years Elmer and his family enjoyed many activities. Sundays were spent attending church, listening to old time music, and visiting relatives. Elmer and Ethel spent over 40 years, playing Sheepshead with the Big Six and 23 years on a mixed couples bowling league. Winters were spent riding snowmobiles with neighbors and summers were spent attending picnics with family and friends. In the later years, Elmer and Ethel loved taking bus tours and playing penny slots at the casino.
An extremely proud member of the Jordan Vets Honor Guard for decades, Elmer was the first member to honor his comrades by playing Taps on the bugle. He also enjoyed volunteering for St. John’s Church. A patient, reliable and dependable husband, dad and grandpa, Elmer was always involved with his family and neighbors, and never shy to lend a helping hand.
Forever loved, Elmer’s legacy will carry on through his wife, Ethel; children, Gregory (Linda) Pieper, Susan (Jeffrey) Schmucker, Bernie (Tammy) Pieper, Mark Pieper, Laurie (Jon) Steckman, Emily (Chad) Sandey; grandchildren, Scott Pieper, Eric Pieper, Ross Pieper, Blake Pieper, Levi Pieper, Jill (Dan) Sackett, AJ (Anna) Schmucker, Nathan Steckman, Mitchell Sandey, Nolan Sandey, Calvin Sandey; great-grandchildren, Emma Sackett, Jackson Schmucker, Lincoln Schmucker; brothers, Julian Pieper, Clem Pieper; sisters, Loretta Hoffman, Mary (Marv) Gregory; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Pieper, Lynda Brown; brother-in-law, Lenny Therres; other loving relatives and devoted friends.
There to welcome Elmer home in heaven are his parents, Anton and Theresa Pieper; brothers, Roman (Helen) Pieper, Joseph (Marcella) Pieper, Albert Pieper, Lenny Pieper; parents-in-law, Frank and Oleda Gregory; sisters and brothers-in-law, Geraldine Pieper, Sally Pieper; Beatus Hoffman, Marilyn (Alvin) Bremseth, Dorothy (Elmer) Theis, Shirley Therres, Dennis Gregory.
Elmer’s life will be honored with a time of gathering on Thursday, October 22, from 4-8 pm at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 104 West First Street, Jordan, and one hour prior to the Mass. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, October 23 at 11 am, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 313 East Second Street, Jordan. Father Timothy Yanta will preside. Pall bears will be his grandchildren. Elmer will be laid to rest at St. John’s Calvary Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Jordan Vets Honor Guard.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Jordan Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Pieper family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
