Richard J. Piepel, a lifelong Wenatchee Valley resident, passed away Friday, March 12, 2010. He celebrated his 74th birthday on March 1st, with family and friends. He was born to Frank B. and Agnes L. (Huene) Piepel in Wenatchee in 1936. He graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1954. After graduation, he went to work for D&D Cannery. In 1960, he was drafted into the Army and served at Fort Lewis. Following his honorable discharge, he went to work at Alcoa. During this time, he was also an orchardist and farmed for 33 years. After retiring from Alcoa and selling his orchard, he continued working and helping his son with his orchard operation. Richard loved being in God's creation; fishing, hunting, hiking and camping. He also enjoyed old cars and street rods. Some of his most pleasant times, were spent watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports and other activities. He was well respected by friends, co-workers and his employees, treating all equally. He will be remembered for his fairness and his great sense of humor. He was affiliated with Eastmont Baptist Church.

He married Janet M. Markley on November 11, 1967, in Wenatchee. He is also survived by two children, Mindy and David (Tracy); seven grandchildren, M'Lynn, Gunnar, Charity, Taylor, Nick, Madison and Kaitlyn; and one great-grandchild, Kolt. He is survived by two brothers, Frank (Delores) Piepel and Donald (Caroline) Piepel; and one sister, Rita (Chuck) Degman.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 18, 2010, at Eastmont Baptist Church, 440 S. Kentucky, East Wenatchee. A Private Interment will precede at Evergreen Memorial Park. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 17, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Telford's Chapel of the Valley in East Wenatchee. Those who wish, may make memorials to the American Cancer Society or charity of choice. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.