George Elmer Pieper
February 21st, 2015
PIEPER, George
George Elmer Pieper of Didsbury, Alberta passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2015 in Calgary Alberta at the age of 86 years. He was surrounded by his loving family.
George was born at home near Pense, Saskatchewan on September 4, 1928 to Elmer and Lydia Pieper, joining a family with 2 elder sisters, Dorothy and Alice. Shortly after George’s birth, the family moved to Isham, Saskatchewan and resided there for the next 20 years. In 1947 George attended Luther College and in 1949 followed his father west to Didsbury, Alberta where he would farm for over 40 years. He resided in Didsbury for the remainder of his life.
George married Shirley Duncan October 3, 1950 and together they raised a family of 8 children on their farm east of Didsbury. George’s family and community mourned Shirley’s death on February 21, 1977.
In addition to farming, George also worked seismic for Shell and, for a few years, worked in a welding shop in Didsbury during the winter months. While working at the Olds Auction Mart, George was blessed to find love again. He married Marlene Malpass February 2,1985 in Didsbury. They were married for just over 30 years.
George was a man of varied interests and expertise. He was a HAM radio operator, held a pilot’s license and was a licensed mechanic. He loved music, played the piano and his fiddle by ear and loved playing in his band. George was a devoted volunteer in the community, serving with the Didsbury Lions Club and the Meals on Wheels program. One of George’s passions was for woodworking. He could most often be found in his shop working on many varied projects, including everything from children’s toys, board games and furniture. His woodwork will continue to be cherished in the homes of the people who loved him. George will be remembered as a caring, hardworking man, devoted to his family and to his church. He was a man who loved to share conversation and laughter with those around him.
George is survived by his wife, Marlene Pieper; his sister, Dorothy Wallace; children, Doug (Sharon) Pieper, Sharon (Barry) Ashton, Art (Karen) Pieper, Doreen (Dennis) Rabel, Judy (Greg) Jensen, Wanda (Deryle) Penner, Ed Pieper, and Liz Dovey; step-children, Catherine (Dale) Scherle, Keith (Karen) Malpass, JoAnne (Al) Young, John (Kathi-Ann) Malpass; as well as 26 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
George was predeceased by his wife, Shirley Pieper; grandson, Jacob Penner; granddaughter, Chris Pieper; sister, Alice Watt; brother in-law, Les Wallace; brother in-law, Bob Duncan; son in-law, Paul Dovey and daughter in-law, Fay Pieper.
A Memorial Service was held at the Zion Evangelical Missionary Church in Didsbury, Alberta on Friday, February 27, 2015 at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes can be made to the Morning Star Lutheran Church PO Box 93, Carstairs, Alberta T0M 0N0.
Messages:
I will always remember Uncle George's good sense of humor and his sly chuckle. He was a good man and raised a wonderful family through some hard times. He will be missed but never forgotten.
The Savior of His soul, Jesus Christ, was reflected in George's life. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them'" (Revelation 14:13).
So long my lifelong friend - until we meet again.
He always had time to chat, and catch up on the family. He remembered every detail of each story (including those we would have rather forgotten). I speak for our family in saying he was a great neighbor to us while we were growing up. He certainly will be missed.