Peter Jerome Trepanier, 93, of Bend OR and Mesa AZ, passed away on July 19, 2022 after a battle with Alzheimer’s.
Peter was born April 9, 1929, in Manteno, Ill, the son of John Paul and Anna Josephine (Stamm) Trepanier. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1952 with B.S. degrees in Civil Engineering and Agriculture.
At college Peter met a beautiful girl who became the love of his life, Elvera Jean Lozar, whom he nicknamed “Poochie.” They were married in Oxnard, California on Christmas Day 1952, shortly before he was sent overseas to serve in the U.S. Army Infantry in Korea. Peter served in Korea until 1954, receiving a Purple Heart for wounds in combat.
Peter and “Poochie” were married over 69 years and had five children: Dale Peter Trepanier, John (Jack) Alan Trepanier, Catherine Ann (Trepanier) Hook, Bruce Charles Trepanier and James Edward Trepanier. They have two grandchildren Charly M. Owens and Trevor Y. Trepanier.
After serving in Korea, Peter worked for Armco (later AK Steel) in Middletown, OH for over 33 years in various engineering, sales and management roles, including General Manager of Building Systems Group and VP of National Supply Co., and made many good friends among his coworkers. After retiring from Armco 1988 he became Chairman of The Cumberland group, a quality and productivity consulting firm.
Peter was a force of nature, determined to live his life to the fullest. He was athletic, loved hiking, and ran in the Boston Marathon. In retirement he fulfilled a boyhood dream by earning his FAA private pilot license and flying his own Cessna. After the suicide of his son Bruce, Peter championed programs in various school districts to deal with student mental health. Peter also loved photography and filled his home with beautiful scenery and memories from many hikes and trips with family and friends.
Anyone who knew Peter knew that he was the most loving husband, father and grandfather a family could ask for. Peter was predeceased by his sons Bruce, Jack (Longview TX) and Dale (Big Sandy TX), and his siblings John “Jack” Trepanier (Manteno, Ill), Paula (Trepanier) Harris (Norwich, VT), and Tannisse “Tanny” (Trepanier) Iverach (Sydney, Australia). Peter is survived by his wife “Poochie”, Elvera Jean (Lozar) Trepanier (Walnut Creek CA), daughter Catherine Ann (Trepanier) Hook and spouse Gary S. Hook (Pleasant Hill CA), and son James Edward Trepanier (Jefferson TX). He is also survived by his grandchildren Charly M. Owens and Trevor Y. Trepanier.
Peter will be laid to rest at the Queen of Heaven cemetery in Lafayette, CA on August 16, 2022. Visitation begins 9:30 am and mass follows at 10:30 am.
