Clarence Rieper's Obituary
Clarence Rieper
12/20/1922 - 10/07/2011
Long time resident Clarence Rieper died in a local hospital on October 7, 2011 after a sudden and brief illness. Clarence was born December 20, 1922 near Northport, Stevens County Washington. He was the youngest child of Herman and Estelle Davis Rieper. . Clarence was raised on the family farm on Cedar Creek and attended the one room Cedar Creek School until the 8th grade. He completed his education at Northport High School and was the co-editor of the school newspaper. He graduated as salutatorian of the Class of 1940.
After high school, he spent several years running the family farm. With the prospect of being called up for active service, he joined the Air Force in 1946 and was stationed in Oklahoma. On completion of his service, he attended Cameron College in Oklahoma for one year. After returning to Washington State, he joined the Fort Lewis Fire Department and worked for 22 years, achieving the rank as Captain. Serving in the Air Force Reserve he was called back for active duty in 1968 for one year and retired from the Reserve in 1974. During his off duty hours from the Fire Department, he ran a maintenance and repair business. A frequent customer at Lakewood Hardware and Paint, he would often just stop in for a cup of coffee, a Uno candy bar and to visit.
In the spring of 1954, Clarence, while visiting his sister at the Old Tacoma Game Farm met a Scottish lass, Nancy Freckleton, who was visiting her uncle who worked at the Game Farm. Theirs' was a long distance whirlwind courtship as Nancy lived and worked as a nurse in Vancouver, British Columbia. On December 18, 1954, Clarence and Nancy were married at the Little Church on the Prairie by Reverend Perry McCormack.
Hobbies and interests occupied much of his spare time. He was an avid deer hunter and the annual deer hunting trip in October to the old home place on Cedar Creek with friends and relatives was the highlight of his earlier years. The love of the out of doors was installed in his children as the result of the frequent camping trips taken to places like Lake Chelan, the Olympic Peninsula, and the ocean. Many summer weekends found the family exploring the trails of Mount Rainer National Park. Photography intermixed with these trips and remained a strong interest throughout his life. Being blessed with a green thumb, he grew a large truck garden every year and donated a generous portion to the Little Church on the Prairie's Food Bank. A long time member of the Girl Scouts, he served as co-leader with his wife Nancy through his daughter's scouting years. He was a member of the Pogee Fishing Club. Well known for his humor, slightly off colored tales and bad jokes, he was a master story teller.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Edmond and Wayne Rieper and a sister Ruth Harper. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Nancy Rieper, daughters; Ruth Rieper, Margaret (Terry) Herron, and, a son James Rieper and a beloved granddaughter Maree Herron as well as numerous nephews and nieces. A memorial service will be held at Mountain View. Special thanks to Dr. Jenson, and the nursing staff of St Claire Hospital for giving comfort and care during his hospital stay. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the local food bank, hospice or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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