Pastor Frank Pieper celebrated 65 years since his ordination

 

[June 11, 2023] 

Pastor Frank Pieper, a former pastor at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, recently celebrated the 65th anniversary of his ordination to the ministry and the church honored him with a reception.

Pastor Frank Piefer with current St. Peter's Lutheran Church Pastor Dr. Keith Ray

Between 1958 and 1997, Pastor Pieper served at four different churches.

From 1958-1963, he was the pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimble, South Dakota.

From 1963-1970, Pieper was the pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Kankakee.

From 1970-1983, he served at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ingleside.

Pastor Pieper during his years at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Emden.

Pastor Pieper’s final pastorate was at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church from 1983 to 1997. He then retired from full time ministry.

Though Pastor Pieper retired from full-time ministry over 25 years, he has continued his service to the community.

Since 2005, Pastor Pieper has been volunteering at the Hopedale Nursing Home and now resides there. Just last week, when the preacher who was supposed to lead a service at the nursing home could not make it, someone knocked on Pieper’s door and he was able to fill in at a moment’s notice. He also serves communion to the residents occasionally.

Calling Bingo and helping people put on bibs at mealtimes at the nursing home are two ways Doris Klokkenga, a long-time St. Peter’s Lutheran Church member, said Pastor Pieper continues to help others.

In the summer of 2022 when St. Peter’s Lutheran Church was in between pastors, Pastor Pieper filled on communion Sundays.

As the Hopedale Medical Complex September newsletter said, “You might think at the age of 90, Pastor Frank Pieper would be tired of sharing his life with others, but he might just surprise you. “

Last summer, Pieper’s book entitled “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Funeral,” Pastor Pieper shared stories from over the years. Initially, he collected stories to share with his five children, but in his book, Pieper shares stories to show readers the other side of his life as a pastor.

While Pieper has many memorable experiences from his time at St. Peter’s, he vividly recalled two in particular.

One was his first Thanksgiving service at the church. Pastor Pieper said he was used to hardly having anyone in church on that day. As he got ready to start the service, Pieper’s back was to the congregation. When he turned around and saw a full church, Pastor Pieper said he was shocked.

Another memorable experience for Pastor Pieper was when the church was redecorating, which he said went well and was a very satisfying project. Pastor Pieper advocated for the church to use a church design specialist and interior decorator for the project, and he said it was a hard sell. With the help of the design specialist, Pastor Pieper said the project turned out beautifully. He recently met someone from Delavan who had gone to an event at the church and said it was the most beautiful church he had seen.

Pastor Pieper said he enjoyed the years of serving at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and called it very satisfying. After being at a church on the Northwest side of Chicago, Pieper said he was able to have a more pastoral relationship with the members of St. Peter’s.

Even in his 90s, Pastor Pieper actively serves other in a caring manner.

Congratulations to Pastor Pieper on his lifelong commitment to the church and the 65th anniversary of his ordination.

[Angela Reiners]