Jack Thomas Pepler

Jack Thomas Pepler of Denver passed away peacefully on September 4, 2016. He is survived by his loving wife Eleanor, his six children, to whom he joyfully referred as his ""bewildering offspring,"" grandchildren and great grandchildren. The words loving, caring, funny, generous and kind cannot begin to describe this outstanding man. A third generation Denver native, Jack was the first of three sons born to Harold and Charlene Pepler. Along with his brothers, Bob and Dick, he grew up in the Highlands area and attended Ashland Elementary, Skinner Junior High, and North Denver High School. He proudly served as a Navy corpsman in the South Pacific during World War II. With a deep love of family, he hugged his grandma so vigorously on his arrival home from the war she was left with a cracked rib, and surely a grateful heart. Jack's family loved music. His grandma played piano in the silent movie theaters in Denver and the family sang and played together throughout his childhood. Later Jack introduced his family to swing music, and the love of music continued. Soon after his return from overseas, he met the lovely Eleanor Nittler, a Nebraska farm girl who had moved to the big city of Denver. During their courtship they enjoyed dancing to big band music at such establishments as the Trocadero Ballroom at Elitch Gardens. Jack and Eleanor were married on October 4, 1947 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Denver. The happy couple was soon blessed with little, ""Ellie Lou, Linda Sue and Jimmy too,"" and a few years later came Frank, Amy and Carrie. The family enjoyed camping, fishing, and waterskiing together for many years. They were joined by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, creating countless memories. Jack was a popular singer around the campfire and his rendition of, ""John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt,"" was a favorite request made by nieces and nephews. Jack was employed by Mountain Bell Communications Company for 38 years and worked in every area from installer to engineer. If asked, he would call himself a telephone man who dug holes and climbed poles. He was loved and respected in his work community, and was fortunate to have many family members as co-workers. Through the years Jack enjoyed spending time at his mountain property in the Grand Lake area, boating, fishing, gardening, and tinkering with anything that needed a fix or repair. He maintained his home and cars with the same skill and care he gave the people in his life. Jack continued playing guitar, piano, harmonica and ukulele, passing a passion for music to children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jack is survived by his wife, Eleanor; his children, Ellie McNeill (Raymond), Linda Pepler, Jim Pepler (Becky), Frank Pepler (Janine Gluud), Amy Pepler, Carrie Pepler (Tim Kitson); his grandchildren, Molly Weber, Jim Pepler, Emily Francci (Serge), Sadie Pepler, Dylan Pepler, Kaleigh Pepler; and great-grandchildren, Trevor Dravland, Will Dravland, Grace Weber, Elly Weber, Angelique Francci and Dominic Francci. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law Augie Simington and grandson Bill Simington. Jack's family is thankful for the outpouring of love and support given by so many long-time friends and family members. Please join us for a reception in celebration of Jack, at Horan & McConaty, on Monday afternoon following the ceremony at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Donations can be made to The Parkinson Association of the Rockies at 1325 S Colorado Blvd #204, Denver, CO 80222. Please feel free to leave memories of Jack and condolences for the family by signing the guestbook below.