Frederick Jerome Pieper, 92, of Tama, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2014 at the Sunny Hill Care Center in Tama. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama with Father Michael Mescher as celebrant. Interment will follow the luncheon at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Tama.




Fred was born on March 16, 1922, in Van Horne, Iowa, the son of Joseph and Mary (Becker) Pieper.


He graduated from Van Horne High School in 1939. He entered Iowa State College in Ames but stopped to enlist in World War II on December 1942 in the 14 Armored Division. He was discharged in January 1946 as a Sergeant having received a Bronze Star Medal.


On December 26, 1946, he was united in marriage to Helen Kelly at St. Joseph's Church in Marion, Iowa. He received his degree in Vocational Agriculture from Iowa State College in the Spring of 1948.


For many years, Fred sold insurance for Farm Bureau Insurance until he and his wife, Helen opened their own business, Pieper Insurance and Real Estate in 1973.


Fred was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Tama and Knights of Columbus at St. Patrick's Church. He was also a frequent Lector at church. He was active in the 14th Armored Division Midwest reunions and served as President for the Cedar Rapids, Iowa National reunion. He was active in the Kiwanis, serving as a delegate to the International Convention in Indianapolis, IN, and he was active in the American Legion in Tama.


Fred spent many weekends trout fishing in Northeastern Iowa with family and friends. In the fall and winter he was hunting in Tama county with his sons for pheasants, rabbit, and duck. During the summer he was busy growing fruit and vegetables in his backyard.


He was preceded in death by his wife Helen; his parents; four brothers; four sisters; and one grandson, Steve Waterbury.


Survivors include five children, Ellen (Joe) Waterbury of Fairfield, Megan Paulsen (Leland Bonnell) of Warrenville, IL, Rand (LouAnn) Pieper of Carmel, IN, Tom (Linda) Pieper of Warrenville, IL, and Mike (Becky Zhorne) Pieper of Tama; eight grandchildren, Chris Poggioli, Deb Buch, Mike Waterbury, Brian Paulsen, Alisha Wood, Libby and Elyse Pieper, and Emily Jozwiak; eleven great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.


A memorial fund has been established.