Pawnee — John Edward Pieper, 83, of Pawnee, Illinois, passed away Monday, June 22, 2026, at his home in Pawnee. John was born Jan. 12, 1943, in Springfield, the son of Orville F. and Mary J. Unser Pieper. He married Donna Kaye Turnbull on May 7, 1966, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Marjorie "Margie" Brown and Bette Gunkel.

John graduated from Morrisonville High School in 1961, where he was also involved in Future Farmers of America. He was a veteran of the Illinois Air National Guard, serving for six years. He worked for Illinois Bell and Ameritech as a cable splicer and later as a fiber optics technician. He retired in 1996.

John was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Springfield Sportsman's Conservation Club. He loved fishing, spending time outdoors and a family vacation to Colorado was a highlight. He enjoyed tinkering with things and could fix and build anything. He had a special passion for electronics and computers. John also loved music and played the accordion himself.

John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Donna, of Pawnee; one son, John D. "David" (wife, Nicole) Pieper, of Petersburg; one daughter, Deborah M. (husband, Mike) Johnson, of Divernon; five grandchildren, Elliott, Colin, Noah (fiancé, Carrie), Dalton and Madelyn; and two great-grandchildren.

John's family will meet friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home, with Rev. A.B. Bennett officiating. A private family burial will follow at Auburn Cemetery in Auburn.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pawnee Food Pantry, P.O. Box 304, Pawnee, IL 62558.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is honored to serve the family of John Pieper. Online condolences may be shared at www.curryfh.com.