Obituary for Gerald "Jerry" Pieper

Gerald was born July 6, 1947, in LaCrosse, WI. to Telmer and Fern (Mickelson) Pieper. Gerald graduated from Caledonia High School in 1965. He attended Winona State University where he graduated with a teaching degree in 1969. Gerald taught history for one year at Byron High School. In 1970, Jerry enlisted into the air force and served in the Vietnam War. He was given an honorable discharge in 1974. When Gerald arrived home, he joined the family business, Pieper Plumbing & Heating.

On June 7th, 1975, he married Mary Gerzmehle at the Pittsville Free Church in Pittsville, WI. She preceded him in death this past August. In their 47-year marriage, they welcomed children DeAnna and Matt. Gerald was a very religious man. His St. John’s Lutheran “family” meant a lot to him. He was involved with the Special Ministry Committee and served on the Stewardship Board. Gerald volunteered at the fair booths for his church and helped with the nativity set up at The LaCrosse Rotary lights. In Gerald’s free time, he enjoyed long drives with his wife, watching sporting events such as the Dodgers and the Vikings, and being home with his family were important to Gerald.

Gerald is survived by his 2 children, DeAnna (David) McCabe and Matt Pieper, both of Caledonia. He is also survived by 2 grandchildren, Morgan and Mitchell McCabe; one brother, Lyle (Paula) Pieper of LeCenter, MN; sister-in-law Robin Pieper of Caledonia; Wisconsin Rapids in-laws Steve and Tammy Gerzmehle, Denny Utecht, Tom Hanneman; many nieces and nephews, and special cousin, JoAnne Bjergum.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary; parents Fern and Telmer Pieper; brother Leonard Pieper; mother and father-in-law, Dick and Shirley Gerzmehle; sisters-in-laws Jean Utecht and Kathy Hanneman; brother-in-law Jim Gerzmehle.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, December 3, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Caledonia. Visitation will start at 9am and last until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Caledonia, following the service. Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia Chapel, is in charge of the arrangements. We ask that any memorials be given to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran School or church.