Obituary of Don Nepper

Don Nepper, 89, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at his home.

He was born on March 22, 1928 in Norway, Michigan to John and Marie (DuCharme) Nepper, and was raised in Iron Mountain, Michigan.

Don attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, majoring in Paper Technology.

During the Korean War he served as a cartographer in the United States Army from March, 1953 to March, 1955. Stationed in Balboa, Panama Canal Zone, Don was part of a team that translated aerial photos into maps. He was a champion marksman with a pistol.

During his time in Panama, Don married Cynthia Ann Meeth of Kalamazoo, Michigan on August 3, 1954 in Saint Mary’s Parish in Balboa. He adored his wife and encouraged and supported her in becoming a Spanish and English teacher, and to continue substitute teaching even to this day.

In 1958 Don was hired by Consolidated Papers, Inc., where he worked for 37 years, first in the Research and Development Division, then in the Wisconsin Rapids Division and in the Main Office for Corporate Quality Systems as an engineer. He developed some paper coating processes that are still used in the paper industry today. Don was co-inventor with Frank Oehme of the Consolidated Tri-Pick Tester, and was a pioneer in Statistical Controls. He retired as a Senior Quality Control Engineer in 1994.

Don served as president of the Winnebago Section of the American Association for Quality Control in 1977 and 1978.

He was involved in the community, serving as Concert Master for Community Concerts in Wisconsin Rapids in the 1970s. He was a founding member of the Arts Council of South Wood County, and served as its president in 1980-81. He was active in the United Way for several years, serving as Consolidated Papers’ management chairman for the campaign in 1979, and as South Wood County campaign chairman in 1985. In 1987 Don was elected president of the South Wood County United Way.

Don was a practicing Catholic and active as an usher and greeter at his parish.

He enjoyed traveling throughout the United States in his motorhome with his wife and children, visiting every continental U.S. state except for Maine. He also did 5 cruises and traveled to many foreign countries. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, and a shareholder. He was a Mr. Fix It. He enjoyed fixing cars and built the upstairs and family room in their home. However, he was most proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Don is survived by his wife, Cynthia, six children, Ann-Marie Meyers of Flower Mound, TX, Virginia (David) Lamoureux of Frisco, TX, Lisa (Samuel) Crockett of Plover, WI, Christopher Nepper of Pittsville, WI, Mary (Lawrence) Glodoski of Hayward, WI and Jennifer (Lee) Gossick of Wisconsin Rapids, WI. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and honorary daughter, Bobbie Dilley.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, Ernest, John and Robert Nepper, a granddaughter, Arielle and a son-in-law Philip Meyers.

The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids at 12:00 Noon on Saturday December 30, 2017, with visitation at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service. Father Jerome Patric and Father Bill Menzel will co-officiate. Burial with full military honors will be at Calvary Cemetery. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials may be designated to SWEPS, The Family Center in Wisconsin Rapids or St. Vincent de Paul Parish.