Pieper, John

John William Pieper of New London, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2024.

His parents were Adela (Kopitzke) and Harold Pieper. He left his earthly family to join his parents, brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and beloved pets in Heaven. This followed a lengthy and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

John would have been 93 in a few weeks. He lived a long and full life. He graduated from New London High School where he was an exceptional athlete, playing basketball and baseball and went on to finish his studies at UW-Oshkosh and UW-Madison. He served in the United States Army at Ft Knox, where he played saxophone in the Army Band. He was recognized as a Korean War Veteran for his time in the service during the war although he was never deployed overseas. John had a long and dignified teaching career. He began teaching in Marion, moved to Edgerton, and concluded his career with the School District of Janesville. While teaching he won several state awards in elementary physical education. He taught for 38 years. He is fondly remembered around town as Mr. Pieper, and the students looked forward to the period they had “gym class!” Not only did he teach various sports, but he taught his students to have a positive attitude, self-confidence, accountability, and perseverance. There were many life lessons to be had in gym class, and to this day, just mentioning the name Mr. Pieper will bring a smile to many faces accompanied by a specific story or memory.

John also had numerous hobbies. His love of music continued into his adult life, and he played in the U-Rock (University of Wisconsin – Rock County) band for many years. He also had a deep love for fishing, and if you had the pleasure of riding in a car with him throughout Wisconsin, you’d hear “I fished in that stream once!” He enjoyed the outdoor pursuit of hunting and was after “the big one” regularly. He had a deep love of gardening, and for many years, grew extensive vegetable gardens, which his children happily weeded for him. Then there were the flower gardens with his favorites being the gladiolas and roses. He also loved history and traveling. He introduced his family to many historical sites throughout Wisconsin and the USA, and he and Karen traveled extensively by cruise ship around the world following their retirement. Then, there was “the cottage.” He loved his home along the river and any family members that could be there. He always wanted to host family gatherings. He had a great knack for calling owls at night and they would hoot back.

John is survived by Karen, his wife of 59 years; 4 children, Kathy (Jim) Golem, John (Kathy) Pieper, Cindy (Andy) Witt, and Greg (Sarah) Pieper; 8 grandchildren, Chris Golem, Jon (Heidi) Golem, Jason (Annette) Pieper, Eric (friend Steph) Pieper, Mason and Sam Haven, and Tyson and Tate Pieper; 6 great grandchildren, Archie and Franklin Golem, Arnie and Leo Golem, Ollie Pieper, and Sailor Pieper; special cousin Dave Pieper. Additionally, he leaves behind one sassy Cockapoo named Penny, and one cuddly kitty named Acorn, who will help take care of Karen. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Vernon Pieper; and sister-in-law, Joan Pieper.

Although he is no longer with us, he leaves with us a legacy that will continue through each of us. There are so many traits that define him – his ready smile, his sense of humor, his sentimental side, his love for music, his genuine caring for others. It’s impossible to name them all. John was just a super person all around, and each of us who knew him can take the gifts of himself that he gave to us to continue his legacy in this earthly world. We will miss you but thank you for the time you spent with us.

As per his wishes, a private funeral is being held, with a celebration of his life at a later date. If you wish to contribute in his memory, please consider the Wisconsin Parkinson’s Association or a local Humane Society.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Brewster Village. They gave him such wonderful, loving care over the years. It was truly his second home and they were his second family in all ways. Thank all of you so very much. It was a long journey. Thank you.