Ronald J. Peppin, “Ron” age 85 of Delano died on Friday, October 16 at his home up north. He was born October 18, 1934 to Neal and Rose (Berneck) Peppin in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Ron was an Army veteran during the time of the Korean conflict based in England. He served oversees until being called home due to a serious medical condition with his newborn son, Steven. He completed the rest of his military time in the Army Reserves.

Ron was a dedicated husband of 55 years to the love of his life, Millie. During Millie’s fight with cancer he went to every one of the many, many doctor appointments/treatments always supporting and encouraging her to fight. Following Millie’s death, at a routine medical check of his own, he asked the doctor if he had anything to fix a broken heart.

Ron was a proud member of IUOE Local 49 working many years in road construction alongside his son David. In July 1988 he was involved in a near fatal work accident suffering a brain injury. The accident ended his work career and began a long recovery journey. He spent many months in rehab at Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute re-learning how to do basic things including walking. After being released from rehab, he spent a number of years volunteering at Sister Kenny helping to modify wheelchairs and other medical equipment. He also visited many patients offering words of encouragement.

During Ron’s lengthy rehab he devoted time to another love of his which was woodworking. He made many things for his kids and grandkids, sold items at craft sales, and gave away several of his handmade items as gifts.

Another passion for Ron was the northland, or what he called ‘God’s Country’. He purchased several acres of woods in Outing, Minnesota near his mom and dad, brother, and ultimately his sons and nephews. The Peppin crew spent many years deer hunting on the land. Over time, Ron created a vacation home with trails in the woods, a pond and a huge garden. He enjoyed this special place up until the day he died.

Following Millie’s death Ron moved to an assisted living apartment in Rogers, Minnesota. It was there that he reignited his love of pool and was known as the resident pool shark. Anyone visiting Ron knew they would be in for at least one game of pool, but more likely a two out of three contest.

Ron was the ultimate schmoozer and charmer and was known for his many one liners and hearty laugh. He enjoyed visits with his kids, grandkids and great grandkids. He was also quite notorious as being extremely challenging to shop with (cars, shoes, furniture, etc.) due to the extensive time he spent ‘looking’ before finally making a purchase. Ask any one of his kids and they certainly will have a story to share.

Ron was preceded in death by wife Millie and son Steven; parents Neal and Rose Peppin; brother Richard Peppin; in-laws and spouses Richard Schumacher, Ralph and Carmela Schumacher, Marvin Schumacher, Theresa Schumacher OSB; as well as parents-in-law Arthur and Julia Schumacher.

He is survived by children and spouses MaryEllen and Pat Grossman, David and Kathi Peppin, Paul and Becky Peppin, Shelly and Joe Blanchette, Mark Peppin and Lynn Anderson; 7 grandchildren and spouses Meghan Grossman and Eric Frahm, Abby and Ryan Wooley, Jenna and Brian Miller, Michael Peppin, Karly and Eric Schemenauer, Liz and Alex Vanderlinde, David N. and Erin Peppin; 7 great grandchildren, Violet and Veronica, Addyson and Kendall, Mason, Austin and Parker; sister-in-law Mary Alice Peppin; in-laws and spouses Don and Bev Schumacher, Rose and Paul Grengs, Julie Neddermeyer, Alicia and Skip Smith and Lu Sheridan.

Mass of Christian Burial was held for immediate family only due to COVID-19 concerns on Friday, October 23 at 11 a.m. at St Peter Catholic Church in Delano, Minnesota. Interment with Military Honors followed in Calvary Cemetery in Delano. In keeping with Ron’s spirit of enjoying life to the fullest, the family will celebrate his life with a gathering next summer to laugh, share stories and hopefully hugs as well.

A video of the service can be found on the Iten Funeral Home YouTube page, or through the link provided below: