Donald Pieper

DON PIEPER IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Death on December 20, 2006, ended the career of former Idaho State Legislator and businessman, Donald James Pieper. He passed away at his home in Idaho Falls. Don served six terms as a state representative from Bonneville County from 1955 to 1966, ranking second only in seniority to Speaker of the House. He was considered by most observers to be the most effective legislator in the lower chamber at that time. He was Master in Parliamentary rules and maneuvers, a keen strategist and a thoughtful and witty floor debater. As such, Don held important assignments on many key committees. He was a great raconteur and will be remembered for his humor and his way with words, which were known as “Pieperisms.” One such was “I’m in the twilight of a mediocre career.” He was the Majority Floor Leader the last time the Democrats were in the majority in 1959. He served as Caucus Leader and Minority Leader in following years, and Don loved his service in this body. After his legislative service Governor Andrus appointed him State Director for the newly formed ASAP program and he also served as State Chairman of the March of Dimes. Don had already launched his career in the Petroleum business. He operated eight service stations at different locations in Idaho, known as “Don Pieper’s Gas For Less.” He served on the board of the petroleum retailers throughout his career. In World War II Don served in the U. S. Army Air Force as a navigator on a B-24. His crew of ten flew out of Italy and on his 19th mission, his plane was shot down over the Ploesti Oil Fields in Romania. These oil fields were very important to the enemy and in an attempt to destroy them, many American lives were lost. Don’s squadron lost four of 28 planes on the day he went down. He parachuted out of his plane at 28,000 feet while his plane was on fire and was captured by the Romanians and held prisoner there for three months. There was no ill treatment, but little food. When Romania capitulated, the POW’s were released and rescued in American B-17's, coming from Italy. There were 400 prisoners of war and the 15th Air Force “stood down” that day (or flew no other missions) and the fighter planes provided protection as the prisoners were brought safely home to Italy. They had 20 planes and 20 former prisoners of war on each plane, with no parachutes. Don received the Purple Heart and an Air Medal. Don was born August 28, 1917, on a farm in Nokomis, Illinois, to Grace Mahoney and Edwin Pieper. He moved with his parents and sister, Norma, to Decatur, where he attended St. James and graduated from the Academy of St. Teresa. He then attended Kirkwood College in St. Louis, Missouri. When he was released from the Romanian POW camp, he returned to the United States and married Donna Dick at the Presidio on the Military Base in San Francisco, California, October 20, 1944. They met in Pocatello, Idaho, where Donna was attending Idaho State University and working for the Union Pacific Railroad and Don was training at the Air Base there. Don loved to golf and fish, and enjoyed gourmet cooking. Don is survived by his wife of 62 years, Donna of Idaho Falls, and by daughters Linda (Neil) Larsen of Idaho Falls, Cathy Pieper of San Diego, California, and Becky (Steve) Sparrell and Julie (Jeff) Stone of Olympia, Washington; two granddaughters, Evie Larsen of Cedar City, Utah, and Myndee Larsen of Elmhurst, Illinois; two step grandsons, Joff Stone of Meridian, ID and Jeremy Sparrell of Sandy, UT, and their five children, Jessica, Chris, Jenna Stone; John and Mason Sparrell. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Norma Craig, and an infant daughter. Private Family Services will be held with burial in Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team. A memorial celebration of his life will be held at a later date. The family wishes to thank Creekside Hospice for their tender care and loving support. ------------------------------------------------------ Condolences received online: Marilyn Arave Potter Dear Donna, Linda, Cathy, Becky,and Julie, So sorry to hear of your loss. You have been a part of my good memories in the past and I think so much of all of you. My sympathy goes out to you and you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Verna Carpenter [verna33@netzero.net] Dear Donna & Family, I just learned about Don this morning, and want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could have kept in contact with you both over the many years since I worked for you, as you were such wonderful, special people - both as individuals and as someone to work for. I would have enjoyed having more contact with you for many more years. With much love, Verna (& Fred) Carpenter (We moved to Firth about 25 years ago) Linda Nadauld Proctor jitrbuglinda@hughes.net Cathy, I hope you remember me from school. I want to send my condolences to you and your sisters and mom. Your father lived a good life, was a good man and I sure he will be missed. The best to you and family Linda Lora Colby loralee13_1@msn.com DONNA, I'm so sorry to hear about Don, I sure miss you two, I hope you are doing well? expecialy now, try to have a good holiday with your family. I'm not at Creekside any more, I've moved to a different co. It's called Onesource Home Health I'm really liking it. Well, take care of yourself and be with family. Love you Lora Colby Joffery Stone and family jkdjoff@earthlink.net Pieper's - especially Julie my step mom Sorry for the loss of Grandpa Pieper. I know he was a great man and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We'll try to be there depending on weather Love, Joff, Cally and Jessica, Christopher, Jenna - Boise Idaho Robert and Shirley Geisler olebob1@sbcglobal.net Donald J. Pieper The Geisler family sends condolences and best wishes . Nathan Smith strengthnmotion@hotmail.com I just learned of Don's passing and just wanted to say how much I enjoyed his witty personality as I was able to work with Don performing Physical Therapy. I certainly hope he writes if he finds work!! Nate Smith PTA Wade Geisler wmg44@earthlink.net My deepest sympathies go out to all of the Pieper family in this time of sorrow. I know that you have come together not only, in this time of grief, but also in the spirit of the holidays to honor and remember the patriarch of this great clan. My thoughts are with you all!! Love always, your nephew and cousin, Wade Julie Stone jgsdpd@comcast.net We miss you Dad - how fitting that your passing brought us all together at Christmas. It is the time we most want to be with family, but so many miles, situations and bad weather have kept us apart this last decade. Mom, I hope you know what a great influence you and Dad were to your daughters and their families. How we all love to LAUGH and that is so much a part of Dad's legacy. His humor was only outweighed by his generosity (and yours!). Mom, you have been caring for our dad for so long-we want you to know how much we love you both and as you told us "All will be well" . . . XOXOXO Linda Nadauld Proctor jitrbuglinda@hughes.net Cathy and family, Sorry to hear about your father.Please accept my condolences. Linda Nadauld Proctor