Bennie Pieper

Bennie Pieper, 91, husband of Erna Dannhaus Pieper, died June 8, 2009 in Trinity Medical Center. Mr. Pieper was born June 10, 1917 in New Wehdem, Austin County to John and Laura Poeppelmeyer Pieper. He was baptized August 20, 1917 at St. James Lutheran Church of New Wehdem, where he also was confirmed on March 20, 1932. He attended New Wehdem School in Austin County. On May 16, 1942, he was married to Erna Dannhaus at St. James Lutheran Church of New Wehdem by Rev. H. T. Flachmeier. He was a member of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church of Salem. During WWII, Mr. Pieper served in the United States Army in the 318th Co. G Infantry for 3 ½ years with 1 year overseas in the frontlines in the European Theater . After serving his country he worked at different jobs and garages as a mechanic, and in 1955 he opened his own business, working 26 years as a mechanic. He was a member of the Wonder Hill Shooting Club for many years, and a life member of the D.A.V. Favorite hobbies were hunting and fishing. Survivors include his wife, Erna Pieper, sons and daughters-in-law Bobie and Nina Pieper, Lloyd and Diane Pieper; daughter and son-in-law Betty and Homer Burran; five grandchildren Steven and Robin Higgins, Tracey and Bill Danes, Dale and Corinne Pieper, Matt Pieper and fiancée Amy Orosco, Melanie and Donnie Roberts, and a sister-in-law, Manola Dannhaus. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson Craig Aaron Higgins; brothers and sisters-in-law Willie and Ella Pieper, Ervin and Billie Pieper, Herbert and Hattie Pieper, Alfred and Norma Pieper; sisters Nelda Pieper and Ella Mae Pieper, Clara Ware and husband Clinton; brothers-in-law Melvin Dannhaus and Arthur Dannhaus. Funeral services for Bennie Pieper will be held Friday June 12, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church of Salem with Pastor Charles Parnell and Pastor Lydia Paterson officiating. Burial will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery. Visitation with family and friends will take place Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Serving as pallbearers are Larry Pieper, Robert Pieper, Lynn Pieper, Matt Pieper, Dale Pieper, and Steven Higgins. Honorary pallbearers are Berry Lee and Paulette Malkey, Carroll "Butch" and Betsy Faske, and Nancy Rosenbaum. Memorials may be directed to Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brenham. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To view the obituary online or to post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.