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Lawrence T. Pieper, 91, passed away on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at the Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Hay Springs, Nebraska with his wife of 68 years, Doris, by his side. Lawrence was born at the Pieper family farm in Mitchell, Nebraska on February 9, 1919 to Hugo and Clara Ann (Feckley) Pieper. He married Doris J. Scalph on November 5, 1941 at Stockville, Nebraska. Doris and Lawrence had one daughter, Roylene.

The Pieper’s moved to North Platte, Nebraska where Lawrence worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as a car record clerk and crew caller. Lawrence enlisted in the military on April 13, 1942 and went first to Wichita Falls, Texas for Shepards Field Mechanics School then to Santa Monica, California for Douglas Aircraft Specialized Mechanics Training. He then was assigned to Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio where he was a crew chief and engineer on the ground and in the air for B17 bombers. Lawrence was discharged at Portland, Oregon on November 15, 1945.

Following his military service, he and Doris returned to Mitchell, Nebraska where he worked for Straetker Brothers blacksmith shop in Scottsbluff until 1949. Lawrence, Doris and their daughter Roylene, moved to a farm in the Mirage Flats irrigation area south of Hay Springs in 1949. Here for over 60 years they were successful farmers, devoted members of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Mirage Flats and contributors to the community. Lawrence was a Life Member of American Legion Post #239. In his spare time, Lawrence restored many antique tractors and cars. From 1970-1982 he and Doris were in the Chicago area, where Lawrence employed his considerable skills for Mellish & Murray, a metals fabrication company. During this time he earned an associate degree from Triton College in River Forest, Illinois. After returning to the farm, her worked for the Sheridan County Road department, Mirage Flats AG Fertilizer and represented some 10 schools in the EPA inspection process.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents.