Richard Harvey Peper, age 77 of Hudson, WI, passed away on May 6, 2014. Richard was born on February 23, 1937 in Alden, WI; the son of Harvey Gustav and Alice Anna (Bondeli) Peper. Richard grew up on a farm and attended Amery High School. He furthered his education at Dunwoody Institute. He was united in marriage on January 5, 1957 at First Lutheran Church in New Richmond to Mary Elizabeth Paulson. Their marriage was blessed with 4 children, Shari, Rick, Vonda and Carla. Richard worked for Knutson Construction Services of Minneapolis for 39 years, retiring in 2004 as Vice President / General Superintendent.

Richard was a devoted husband and father and was passionate about taking care of his family. He cherished his grandchildren as they were the highlights of his life. He was a craftsman who enjoyed home projects and remodeling projects, especially taking pride in the work he had done for, and along side his children and grandchildren. He was meticulous about his work and caring for his yard and gardens. Richard was fond of taking slow drives in his truck- taking interest of the sights around him. He was an avid sportsman who was well entertained by watching the Twins, Vikings and Packers.

Richard will remain in the hearts of his loving wife of 57 years, Mary; children, Shari (Jim) Fitzenberger of Oakdale, MN, Rick (Lori) Peper of Amery, Vonda Peper (Danny Brown) of Hudson and Carla (Steve) Hamill of Hudson; 7 grandchildren: Tom (Katie) Fitzenberger, Nici (Chris Snyder) Peper, Val Fitzenberger, Annie (Graydon) Anderson, Phil Peper, Elizabeth and Buddy Hamill; great grandchildren, Katrena Moore and T.J. Snyder; brothers, Allan (Kate) Peper of New Richmond, Phillip (Carolyn) Peper of Scandia, MN and Ronald (Kathy) Peper of New Richmond; brother-in-laws, Arlen (Marlene) Kittel of Deer Park and Paul (Maria Alicia) Paulson of New Brighton, MN; sister-in-law, Maureen Paulson; and many nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Curtis Peper; sister, Marcia Kittel; and grandson, Derek Peper.

A Visitation will take place 5:00 – 8:00 PM Friday, May 9, 2014 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. A Memorial Celebration of Life will take place 3:00 PM Saturday, May 10, 2014 at Bethel Lutheran Church, 920 Third St., Hudson, with Pastor Lori Peper officiating. Interment will take place at Willow River Cemetery of Hudson. Memorials are preferred.