Raymond Clem Pieper, 75

Raymond Clem Pieper, age 75, of New Prague, entered eternal life at his home surrounded by his wife and ten children on Thursday, January 2, 2025, after a 5-week battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Ray was born on June 19, 1949, to Julian and Geraldine (Pauly) Pieper. He was the oldest of eleven children and grew up on a dairy farm in rural Jordan.  He attended St. Joe’s grade school and graduated from Jordan High School in 1967. He attended the U of M where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Ag Engineering. In 1971, he purchased a milk route with his brother Mike and neighbor Bill Hentges, then sold his share in 1973. On December 29, 1973, he married Bridget (Neubauer) at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Veseli.  They purchased a dairy farm in rural New Prague where they began their legacy.

Ray’s life was centered around his Faith, Family, and Farm. Ray led by example and his faith was the utmost important aspect of his daily life. He was a humble man who believed actions were more important than words. Ray was not fearful for he fully trusted in the Lord. He loved spending time with his family, woodworking, playing cards, watching his grandkids, giving gator and tractor rides, and gathering at the family table. With having 24 grandchildren, he often was found napping in his chair with one of them.  Ray was a lifelong dairy farmer where he made numerous expansions and improvements to the farm over the years. It was his honor to work with his wife and children on the farm. He enjoyed all aspects of farming from the cows to the fieldwork.  His gentle and patient nature made him a natural caregiver.

Later in life, Ray enjoyed walking countless miles around the farm admiring God’s gifts.  He loved driving tractors and spent many hours in his workshop making various wood projects ranging from picture frames to kitchen tables. He was the Grounds Keeper and Sacristan at Most Holy Trinity church for the last 6 years.

The most important thing to Ray was that his family’s faith remains strong so that they may all be reunited as one unbroken family in Heaven.

Raymond is preceded in death by parents Julian and Geraldine (Pauly) Pieper, mother and father in-law, Leonard and Margaret (VonBank) Neubauer, and brother Ronald Pieper.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Bridget. Children; Tim (Crystal) Pieper, Maizie (Tony) Scheffler, Chrissy (Mark) Duhme, Beth (Jamie) Tews, Brian (Emily) Pieper, Nick (Megan) Pieper, Dan (Steph) Pieper, Tracy (David) Cemensky, Maria (Max) Prange, Emily (Chad) Olson. Grandchildren; Reece, Owen, Evie, Matt, Ben, Rae, Tommy, Jacob, Michael, Jonathan, Julianne, Kylie, Bella, Gabby, Tyler, Lucas, Hannah, Maddie, Ally, Catherine, Nora, Julian, Vince, and Andrew. Siblings; Mike (Roxanne) Pieper, Mary (Tom) Koskovich, Teresa (Elmer) Hartmann, Tony (Terry) Pieper, Kathy (Cal) Meyer, Julie (Jim) Dubbe, Jean (Bill) Van Hecke, Frank (Sue) Pieper, Carol (Jim) Croal. Sister-in-law: Deb Pieper and many other loving relatives and friends

Mass of Christian Burial, 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Veseli, MN.  Visitation from 3-8 p.m. Monday (1/6) at White Funeral Home, Lonsdale, MN and one hour prior to the service at church on Tuesday. Interment St. Louis Cemetery