Memorial

Donald M. “Pep” Peiffer, age 80, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Tuesday, March 04, 2014 at his residence after a sudden illness.

Mass of the Resurrection will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, March 8, 2014 at St. Matthew’s Parish in Cedar Rapids officiated by Fr. David Beckman with Monsignor Russell Bleich concelebrating.  The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 PM Friday at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, where a vigil service will take place at 7:00 PM.  Additional visitation time will be held one hour before the service on Saturday at St. Matthew’s Parish.   Interment with military honors will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.  

Memorial donations in Pep’s name may be directed to St. Matthew’s Church, the Mercy Foundation, or the American Diabetes Association.

Don Peiffer was born Jan 29, 1934 to Nicholas & Harriette (Baumert) Peiffer.    Don attended school in Harper and graduated from Keota High School in 1951.   He served in the Army for two years and returned to Keota for several years.   He married Patsy O’Rourke on May 3, 1958 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Parnell.   

They lived in Keota for two years and then moved to Cedar Rapids where he was employed at Iowa Illinois Gas & Electric Co.    He worked there for 35 years and retired from Mid America in 1994. 

Don was an avid Cubs, Packers, and Iowa fan.   He did woodworking as a hobby until health prevented and is remembered for his beautiful work.    His greatest days were when he was with family.   He was a member of St. Matthews Church, Holy Name, K.C. and Legion.   He spent many hours volunteering at Mercy Hospital and St. Matthews Church or wherever he could be of help.    He was a true handyman and friend to all.

He is survived by wife, Patsy; two sons Mike (Diana) Peiffer and Mark (Elaine) Peiffer of Cedar Rapids; daughter Peggy Peiffer of Fairfax; five grandsons: Ben, Josh, and Michael of Cedar Rapids; Bart (Brittani) of Huron, South Dakota; and Nick of Chandler, Arizona; granddaughter Peggy (Ben) Layton of Cincinnati, Ohio; two great-grandsons and three great-granddaughters; sister Genevieve Jeager of Keota; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and step-father Ray Schmit; two brothers: Arden and Wayne; and two sisters: Eldora Hamil and Kate Coffman.