Herbert Peiffer

Herbert Ignatius Peiffer died Wednesday, August 1, 2012, at his home near Sigourney, Iowa, of congestive heart failure. He was 85.
Herbert was born on October 15, 1926, near Harper, Iowa, the second youngest of nine, to Henry L. Peiffer and Barbara Hammes Peiffer. He attended St. Peter and Paul Parochial School. He began farming the family farm in Clear Creek Township at age 14 when his older brothers left home to serve in World War II. At that time his parents traded a team of horses for their first farm tractor, a Farmall H. Herbert's brother Omer later joined him in farming and they worked together until entering the service during the Korean Conflict.
Herbert served his country from 1950-1952 during the Korean Conflict as a U. S. Army mechanic in charge of a motor pool. He attained the rank of staff sergeant and forged lifelong friendships during his army service. After discharge he returned home to again farm with his brother. He used his mechanical skills throughout his life and spent many hours in his shop fixing farm equipment and vehicles.
Herbert met his future wife Jeanene Williams at the Ottumwa Air Base Skating Rink. They were united in marriage on July 30, 1955, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Ottumwa. In 1964 they purchased a farm south of Sigourney, Iowa, where they raised five children. He grew corn, soybeans, oats and hay. He raised hogs, cattle, sheep, and chickens. Herbert's favorite time of day was the quiet of the early morning when he did chores. His farm neighbors were treasured friends. Herbert retired from farming in 1988. Herbert was awarded the 2000 Owner/Tenant Conservation Award from the Keokuk County Soil and Water Commission. He represented West Lancaster Township on the Sigourney Fire Board and served as president of that board for many years. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a member of the Keokuk County Izaak Walton League, the Iowa Farm Bureau, the ASCS Committee and was a West Lancaster Township Trustee for over 25 years. Herbert also served on the church council and as a Eucharistic minister at St. Mary's Church in Sigourney.
Photography and travel were favorite hobbies of Herbert. He would hire help to run the farm so the family could vacation and explore the United States. Many evenings were spent eating popcorn balls and watching his slides in the kitchen of the family home. He supported his children's dreams, whether it was playing instruments, starting a business, flying planes, designing bridges or teaching. He and Jeanene enjoyed following their children's dance band for many years.
Above all, Herbert shared the gift of his Catholic faith with his family. Not by preaching it, but by living it. He was a faithful husband, a good steward of the land, and created a safe and loving home for his children. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to share their gifts with the church.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Jeanene, his children Gregory and Diane Peiffer of Rose Hill, Sharon and Wayne Hammes and Bruce and Cyndi Peiffer of Oskaloosa, David and Angelika Peiffer of Eldridge, and Eric Peiffer of Issaquah, WA. His grandchildren include Melissa and Craig McLaughlin of Robins, Christina Peiffer and Theresa and Pat Glandon, all of Sigourney, Megan Peiffer of Des Moines, Ben and Kayla Peiffer, Andy Peiffer, Molly Peiffer, Adam Hammes and John Hammes of Oskaloosa and Nicolas Peiffer of Eldridge. He has eight great-grandchildren. One sister, Eveline Adam of Washington, IA, survives.
Preceding Herbert in death were his parents, his five brothers: Elmer, Bernard, Edward, Norbert and Omer and two sisters: Florence Wehr and Marcella White.

The funeral mass for Herbert will be Monday, August 6, 2012, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Sigourney. A prayer service will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 5, followed by visitation from 5-7 p.m. at Holm Funeral Home in Sigourney. Holm Funeral Holm is handling arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Keokuk County Hospice.