A spring celebration of the life of Richard Stanley Pepera who passed away in Manistee on January 6, 2016 will be held Sunday, May 22, 2016 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Aki Community Center at 2953 Dontz Road, 1 & 1/2 miles off M-22 in Manistee. Family and friends would like to welcome everyone to celebrate Richard's life by sharing memories with stories, laughter and tears. Please join us in our celebration. Remember, even if you attended the first gathering, you are more than welcome to come visit with us on Sunday, May 22.

Richard Stanley Pepera peacefully passed away on January 6, 2016 at West Shore Medical Center surrounded by his loving wife and family. Richard was preceded in death by his parents Stanley & Selma (Adamski)Pepera.

Richard was born on August 15, 1936 and was a lifelong resident of Manistee. He accepted an invitation to the Sadie Hawkins dance in the 8th grade from Patty Tageson and they have been together ever since. He married Patricia Louise Tageson on June 23, 1956 at St. Mary's Church in Manistee. They have shared their lives for more than 59 years.

He was a member of the Michigan National Guard and was employed with the Century Boat Company until he became a member of the Ironworkers Local #340 where he worked for many construction companies including several years with Manistee Welding. He was a founding member of the Manistee Township Fire Department.

Richard loved hunting, fishing and playing pinochle. He was a very talented fabricator and carpenter that could always figure out a way to fix or build anything and he was always doing something for everyone else.

Richard also shared a passion for classic cars with all of his sons. His friends will always remember Rich riding in his "Jeepster" Commando.

He is survived by his wife Patricia and his sons and daughters-in-law, Rick (Terri), Randy (Michelle), Rod (Peggy), Rob (Amy); his grandchildren, Mindy, Mike (Marissa), Theresa (David), Tighe, Chloe, Carlee, Haylee and great grandchildren, Braxton, Xander, Jessie, Shianne, Eric, and Kayedon; several great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and his brother-in-law, Bill (Deb) Tageson and sister-in-law, Penny Ozdych.

He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Lee Ozdych.
A celebration of Life will be held at the Manistee Township Hall from 1:00 to 5:00 pm on Saturday, January 16, 2016.

A 2nd celebration will be held in the spring for family and friends who are unable to attend on January 16th. Everyone is welcome to attend one or both celebrations.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to The National Psoriasis Foundation or the Smile Train Foundation, cards will be available at the Manistee Township Hall the day of the celebration.

Please feel free to pass this information along to those who wish to join Rich's family in the celebration of his life. www.herbertfh.com

The Herbert Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.