Larry Dale Pieper was born February 27, 1943 near Augusta, in rural Femme Osage to Spencer and Hedwig (nee' Hemsath) Pieper. He passed away on Thursday, November 23, at the age of 80 years.
Larry grew up near Augusta and attended grade school at Christ Lutheran Church. He graduated from Augusta High School in 1961 and continued his education at Ranken Technical College. Larry joined the United States Army Reserves in 1964 and proudly served his country for six years. He attained the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged from the Army Reserves on May 31, 1970.
Larry was united in marriage to the love of his life, Diane Emma Welge in 1969. The couple made their home in Augusta and their marriage was blessed with three children.
Larry began his career at ACF in 1964 and took a position with Monsanto in 1979 as a railcar consultant and designer for the company's railcar transportation division. He started his own railcar consulting business in January of 2000. He thoroughly enjoyed his career in the railcar industry because it offered many opportunities and diverse experiences that led him to meet many colleagues who became true friends to Larry and his family. Larry retired in December 2017 to spend time on his farm.
Larry's retirement consisted of farming row crops, hay and cattle. Farming was his passion. He had gratification of the land, living in the country, and spending time with family and friends on the farm.
Larry was a lifelong member of Christ Lutheran Church in Augusta and was very active in the church. Throughout the years, he held many positions in the church and spearheaded the remodeling and building addition to the church.
Larry led his life with integrity, respect, and pride. He was devoted to his wife, Diane. Together, their love was strong for their children and grandchildren. Larry will truly be missed but his memory and love will never be lost or forgotten.
Larry was preceded in death by one son in-infancy, Mark Pieper; his parents, Spencer and Hattie (nee' Hemsath) Pieper; parents-in-law, Clarence and Adele Welge; sister-in-law, Elaine Brinegar; and one niece, Leasa (Pieper) Wilke.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 54-years, Diane Pieper (nee' Welge) of Augusta; three children: Dana Swope and husband Todd of St. Charles, Doug Pieper and wife Cherie of Naples, FL, and Darla Pieper Nunn of Poplar Bluff; six grandchildren: Marshall and Kendra Swope, Spencer, Grayson, and Colton Nunn, and Charlesetta Pieper; one brother, Dennis Pieper and wife Judy; sister-in-law, Imogene Bozich and husband Steve; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.
A funeral services will be held held at 11 A.M. on Friday, December 1, at Christ Lutheran Church in Augusta, with Rev. Randall Bell officiating. Burial with full military honors to follow in the church cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church or Siteman Cancer Center. The Pieper family was served by Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington.
