In Memory of Raymond W. Nepper

Raymond W. Nepper, age 78, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Friday, October 7, 2022, at the Nebraska Medicine Medical Center of Omaha, Nebraska.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Father William McCarthy will officiate. Committal Services will be held in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by the McNamara Moore Post No. 61 of the American Legion of Ida Grove, Iowa.  

 A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, with a Rosary at 6:45 p.m.  and Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Raymond William Nepper, the son of Paul B. and Lucille (Erichsen) Nepper, was born on June 22, 1944, in Ida Grove, Iowa. He grew up and received his education in Ida Grove, graduating with the class of 1963. 

Ray enlisted into the United States Navy along with his brother Charles shortly after graduating. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Sirius and USS Vesuvius. Ray received the National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Campaign medal, and the Vietnam Service medal. He was honorably discharged in June of 1967. Ray then returned to Ida Grove and began working for the local Culligan company, followed by Ida Grove Plumbing. He was married to Diane Burk for 33 years. Together they shared one son.   

Ray was dedicated to his community by serving on the local ambulance crew as a driver for 40 years, a volunteer fireman for 20 years, and city council member for 20 years. He had an impressive 40-year career with Horn Memorial Hospital as a maintenance engineer, retiring in 2014. Ray was united in marriage to Ronda (Bryant) Mefferd on March 27, 2015, in Port Aransas, Texas. Together they enjoyed traveling, house projects, and making memories with their grandchildren.  

Ray’s hobbies included golfing, riding his motorcycle, fishing, yard work, playing cards, and attending the “informational” coffee meetings with the boys. He treasured spending time with his beloved pets, family, and friends. The highlight of his day was walking his grandson Oliver to school. Ray loved to indulge in sweet treats and often joked “There’s always room for dessert”.

Survivors include his loving wife Ronda Nepper of Ida Grove, IA; son Paul Nepper of Ida Grove, IA; grandson Oliver Nepper; Ronda’s children: Derek Mefferd of Ida Grove, IA, Dwan (Nathan) Sahl of Titonka, IA, Dara (Ryan) Moser of Cedar Falls, IA and Davin (Lindsay) Mefferd of Battle Creek, IA; eight bonus grandchildren; brother Paul (Valerie) Nepper of Odebolt, IA; sisters Sharon (Bud) Jepsen of Ida Grove, IA and Elsie (Dale) Danielsen of Arthur, IA; brother-in-law Mac Dungan of Ida Grove, IA; in-laws Sherman and Carolyn Bryant of Denison, IA; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends. 

Ray was preceded in death by his parents Lucille and Paul Nepper; first wife Diane Nepper; brother Charles Nepper; and sister Lorraine Dugan.