Russell Pepper

Russell "Russ" Pepper, age 95, of Storm Lake, Iowa died Saturday, October 17, 2020 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake. A Celebration of Life service will take place Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in STORM LAKE. To watch the live stream of the service, please click the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85653668081?pwd=OU9jT3RyZFlyRDF5TEgzVVpNR25zUT09 and enter the password: funeral. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery in Storm Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Russ' name to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in care of Richard Rice, 6418 120th Ave. Storm Lake, Iowa 50588. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Russell Leber Pepper was born April 16, 1925 in rural Arthur, Iowa the son of George and Nettie (Leber) Pepper. Growing up, Russell attended school in the Galva and Cherokee area. He graduated from Galva High School in 1943. On September 30, 1944, Russ was united in marriage to Shirley Babcock at her parent’s farm home near Galva, Iowa. Together, they were blessed with four children: Pat, Larry, Craig and Bill. On March 15, 1946, Russell enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country during World War II until he was honorably discharged on December 24, 1946. Prior to his enlistment, he worked in the Boeing Defense Plants in Renton, Washington building B-29’s. His fascination with those planes continued his whole life. Russ was a member of the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake; Storm Lake Jaycees where he served as president; Storm Lake Chamber of Commerce; West Central Iowa Home Builders where he served as president’ Iowa HBA and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Russ was a well-respected general contractor for many years in the Storm Lake community. He often said the mentoring of Art Dahl, Omar Roth, and Frank Baustian helped to make his construction business a success. He built 49 homes in the Storm Lake area. In his spare time, Russ enjoyed golf, reading, and travelling. Russ never met a stranger. He loved a good conversation and a good dish of ice cream. Family was very important to Russ and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Patrica (John) Houar of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Craig (Becky) Pepper of West Des Moines, Iowa; William “Bill” (Dee) Pepper of Boone, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Marcia Pepper of West Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren: Heather (Tom) Halterman; Emilee Pepper; Samuel Pepper; John Pepper; Daniel Pepper; Kent (Lisa Arnold) Houar; Sharon (Kevin) Raines; Susy (Sheldon) Hobson; Nancy (Mark) Fish; great grandchildren: Will, Zach, Matthew, Jesse, Eli, Elizabeth, and Kesi; brother, Vernon (Betty) Pepper of Spencer, Iowa; nieces; nephews; cousins; special friend, Kathryn Dick; extended family and friends. Russ was preceded in death by his parents, George and Nettie Pepper; wife, Shirley Pepper; son, Larry Pepper; brothers: Bud and Melvin Pepper; and sisters: Joyce Reinert; Ethel Harvey; and Margaret “Tootie” Way. Memorials may be given in Russ’ name to: Independent Order of Odd Fellows in care of Richard Rice: 6418 120th Avenue Storm Lake, Iowa 50588.

Russell Pepper

April 16, 1925 - October 17, 2020