Merle Leon “Moon” Pieper age 89, of 1107 Chestnut died Wednesday, November 23, 2011
in Blessing Hospital. Merle was born April 15, 1922 in Columbus, IL, the son of Herman F. and Gertie (Walker) Pieper. He married Betty L. Sass on July 31, 1943. Betty preceded him in death on December 11, 2010.

After the untimely death of his father Herman, Merle along with his three siblings was placed in the German Lutheran Orphanage in Fremont, NE. From there, he went to live on the Buss family farm where he remained until he returned to Quincy. His first job was as a baker of the T.H. Bueter Baking Co. After his marriage in 1943, Merle was employed until 1960 with Sass Brothers Pattern, and he then joined Moorman Mfg. Co. working in the maintenance department. He retired in 1985.

For many years, Merle was involved with Quincy College’s football and basketball programs through the Mart Heinen Club. He followed Christian Brothers, Notre Dame and Quincy High School basketball for many years as well. Merle was an avid Cubs fan, but tolerated Betty’s fondness for the Cardinals.

Hunting and fishing was always productive enough to declare a gathering for family and friends. He loved to challenge anyone to a game of horseshoe, which he usually won. A lively game of “pitch” earned him the nickname “Moon”. Other hobbies included woodworking. He built numerous grandfather clocks plus many other items, walnut being the wood of choice.

Merle touched a lot of lives. He had a generous and forgiving nature and he enjoyed helping others expecting nothing in return. St. James Lutheran Church played a most important role in his life. Besides finding spiritual fulfillment, Merle found joy with “fixin” projects throughout the church and school. When he could no longer attend church, he was so pleased when church members continued to visit and pass time at his house.
Merle especially loved his grandkids, but we all knew that he would rather go to the dentist than sit through a music or dance recital, but since his grandkids were the stars, he’d make an exception.

Survivors include his children, Barbara Ippensen and her husband Kenneth of Payson, Paula Duppong and her husband Kalvin of Quincy, and Dan Pieper and his wife Teresa of Ponchatoula, LA;
Grandchildren include, Brian Ippensen and his wife Penni, Sarah Ippensen Stock and her husband Robb, Kelly Duppong, Clinton Duppong and his wife Jill, Rachel Harris and her husband Trey and Ben Pieper and his wife Esmee. Great-Grandchildren, Ariann, Adelinn and Ailaa Ippensen, Cameron and Caleb Stock, Tanner and Caley Duppong, Savannah and Rowen Harris and Isla Pieper.
A sister, Leola Spicer of Quincy and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Two special caregivers, Barb Morris and Tina Ohnemus were there for all of us to the end.
Merle was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, his parents, a sister, Florine Riney and a brother , Francis “Bud” Pieper.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in St. James Lutheran Church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church. Memorials are suggested to St. James School or Church, and Quincy Notre Dame Basketball. Funeral arrangements are with the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home.