Donald Robert Pepin

Donald Robert “Pep” Pepin WWII Veteran, Pearl Harbor Survivor 3M Retired Age 91, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother. First Shot Naval Vets, WBL VFW and Legion. Following a brief illness, passed away Aug. 21st surrounded by loving family and will be deeply missed. Preceeded in death by parents; sister Dorothy Wilson. Survived by children Diane (Michael) Brings, David, Debra Krepka, Denise, sister Patricia Lediger, NY, 4 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Born St. Paul, MN, Feb. 5, 1921 to Arthur H. Pepin and Esther (nee LaBonte); worked summers on Centerville family farm; caddied at Hillcrest Golf Course; attended Johnson HS. Enlisted U.S. Naval Reserve 47th Div., trained Great Lakes, active service to San Diego, CA, and Pearl Harbor, HI. Served on USS Ward; crew fired 1st American shot of WWII; Pacific duty to end of war. “Pep” returned home and worked at 3M Co. Married Dolores R. Johnson, settled on Bald Eagle Lake and raised four children. Retired after 42 yrs. to Mesa, AZ retirement community; with summers at home. Dad actively enjoyed hunting, walking in the woods, craftsman hobbies, cooking at the lake, avid golfer and card player, meeting new people, telling stories and had a quick sense of humor. Celebration of his life Thur. Aug. 30th 4-8 pm- Memorial Service 7 pm at Mueller Memorial Parkway Chapel, 835 Johnson Parkway. Memorials preferred. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.