Edward Pepperl

Edward J. “Ed” Pepperl was born on December 13th, 1921 at home on the family farm near Burchard. He graduated from Burchard High School in May 1938. He worked on the farm until he was inducted into the U.S. Army in June 1942. After basic training he was assigned to the 442nd Anti-Aircraft Battalion as a squad sergeant. The battalion served in the North African Campaign for 1½ years. Then after a short training period, they reorganized and served in southern France and Germany as the 99th Chemical Mortar Battalion. After the surrender of Germany, they returned to the States in July 1945. Ed received numerous medals from his war service, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Presidential Unit Citation. He was discharged in October 1945.

Ed married Josephine Conradt on July 25th, 1945 at St. Anthony Church in Steinauer, Nebraska. He was employed in Burchard first as a store clerk and then was appointed as Postmaster. He transferred to a rural mail route in August 1958 and retired in January 1984.

Ed was active in the community, serving many years as a member of the Burchard Rural Fire Department, the American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and served at the altar as an acolyte and a lector. He and his family were caretakers of Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery and the parish grounds for more than 50 years.

Ed and Josephine lived most of their married life on the farm homesteaded by his grandfather. They moved to Gramercy Hill Retirement Community in Lincoln in November 2014.

Ed passed away on February 9, 2017. He is survived by 7 children: JoAnn (Sherman, deceased), Robert (Nancy), Donald (Joanne), Mary (Lee, deceased), Theresa (Kenneth), Catherine (Michael, deceased), and James (Mary); twelve grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wife, Josephine; parents, Frank and Mary Pepperl; brothers Lawrence, Ernest, Arthur, and Ellis; sisters Agnes and Vera.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Burchard, Nebraska.  Officiating Father Michael Christensen.  Rosary Monday, February 13, 2017 at 6;30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Burchard, Nebraska.  Visitation on Monday, February 13, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Burchard, Nebraska. Memorials to family choice.  On line condolence may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com

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