The morning of Wednesday, June 28, 2017, Julian Anton Pieper, passed away peacefully, at the Belle Plaine Lutheran Home. For 95 years, his life was built around family; he had a great love for his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Most importantly, Julian taught his family about faith and how to love our Lord Jesus Christ, though he did so quietly and through example.
A time of gathering will be held on Sunday, July 2, from 4-7 pm ending with a 7:00 pm prayer service. An additional visitation will take place Monday, July 3 from 9:30-10:45 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:00 am, all at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Jordan, MN. Father Timothy Yanta will preside. Julian will be laid to rest at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, with full military honors provided by the Jordan Vets Honor Guard. Julian’s pallbearers will be his grandchildren: Tim Pieper, Deanne Fogarty, Jeff Koskovich, Sara Schrempp, Jason Meyer, Michael Pieper, Jenna Rief and Nick Croal.
On the Pieper family homestead in Marystown, MN, Julian was born the 2nd of nine children, to Anton and Theresa (Stemig) Pieper. He appreciated the life-long lessons he learned on the farm. He was a strong, hardworking man, dedicated and faithful to God and his family.
First attending Marystown Catholic School, Julian later graduated from Jordan High School. He then proudly served his country during World War II, for over three years, in the United States Navy. Julian was stationed in the South Pacific on the USS Saratoga and later in Hawaii. But it was what happened at a wedding dance that enriched his life forever. Julian met an amazing young woman, named Geraldine Marie Pauly. They declared their love for each other on September 21, 1948, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Jordan, MN. They were utterly devoted to each other, and this was never more evident than when Geraldine had her stroke in 2009. Their absolute and unwavering love of each other was never flashy or dramatic, but always certain and deep.
Julian and Geraldine purchased a farm southeast of Jordan, where they raised 11 children. Julian educated his children on the craft of taking something old and making it new. He taught them the skills and knowledge of farming, woodworking, puzzle solving, and so very many other life lessons. In 1994, Julian and Geraldine retired and sold the farm to their son, Frank. They purchased a home in Belle Plaine, MN, but you still could find them gravitating back to the farm and lending a helping hand.
Julian loved competing and loved to win. From his early years on, he was a great horseshoe thrower, a creative woodworker, and a top notch Sheephead and 500 player. In his spare time, Julian loved to ride his bike and that, too, brought him many hours of enjoyment after leaving the farm.
Through the years, Julian’s family was given the gift of his quiet strength, genuine love, and a gentle and faith-filled heart. He will be forever missed and loved by his devoted children, Ray (Bridget) Pieper, Mike (Roxanne) Pieper, Mary (Tom) Koskovich, Theresa (Elmer) Hartmann, Tony (Terry) Pieper, Kathy (Cal) Meyer, Julie (Jim) Dubbe, Jean Rief, Frank (Sue) Pieper, Carol (Jim) Croal; daughter-in-law, Deb Pieper; 52 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; brother, Clem Pieper; sisters, Loretta Hoffman, Mary (Marv) Gregory; sister-in-law, Ethel Pieper. Julian is also survived by sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Marietta Vohnoutka, Arlene (Reuben) Geislinger, Alcuin (MaryAnn) Pauly, Myron (Deb) Pauly and Julian (Karen) Pauly, many other relatives and friends.
There to welcome Julian home is wife, Geraldine; son, Ron Pieper; grandchildren, Joseph Hartmann, Amanda Rief; great-grandson, Asher Rodgers; parents, Anton and Theresa; brothers, Roman (Helen) Pieper, Joseph (Marcella) Pieper, Albert Pieper, Elmer Pieper, Leonard (Phyllis) Pieper; sister-in-law, Sally Pieper; and brothers-in-law, Beatus Hoffman, George Vohnoutka, Roland Pauly and Alan Pauly.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Jordan Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Pieper family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
