Groepper, Chad (1986-2008)

GROEPPER

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 2/26/2008 at 16:37:06

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, February 26, 2008

Spc. Chad Groepper, 21, of Kingsley, died Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008, in Diyali Province, northeast of Baghdad, Iraq following combat injuries he suffered while serving with the United States Army.

Chad Groepper was born Oct. 24, 1986, to David and Darcy in Sioux City. He graduated from Kingsley-Pierson High school in December 2004. During his childhood years he enjoyed fishing, building, tinkering with anything mechanical, helping his Dad with the cattle and Mom with yard work.

Chad loved his pets. His dogs, Jack and Gunther remain on the family farm with Mom and Dad. Chad's favorite childhood dog, Celie, is buried in the Groepper family yard near the pasture. If it were up to Chad, he would have most likely wanted to be laid to rest next to her.

Chad enlisted in the U.S. Army immediately following graduation and completed basic training at Fort Benning, Ga. Chad was assigned to the 2nd Battalion 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, Wash.

It is with such sadness that we learned of the death of our "brave warrior." Chad knew early on that he wanted to be a part of the U.S. military. A man who was not afraid of anything; Infantry was an easy decision.

Chad was high-spirited and so full of adrenaline. He did everything to the extreme. Chad loved to ride his dirt bike and quad and was anxious to return home, raise his daughter and teach her about all the things he loved so dearly. His newest love was fatherhood. He and his wife, Stephanie, welcomed Clarissa Renee in October of 2007. Chad had found his soul mate in Stephanie.

He is survived by his wife, Stephanie and infant daughter, Clarissa of Puyallup, Wash. He is also survived by his parents, David and Darcy Groepper of Kingsley; sisters, Denae (Matt) Erickson of Granger, and Abbie (Tim) Susie of Kingsley. Other survivors include his wife's family: parents, Vern and Sue Kittleson of Puyallup, Wash.; brothers-in-law, Chris (Vicky) of Federal Way, Wash., and Matt (Sepideh) of Mill Creek, Wash., his niece Chloe Kittleson of Federal Way, Wash.; his grandparents, Loren and Verna Groepper of Kingsley, and Jim and DarIa Rock of Pierson; his wife's grandparents, Rosie Carter of Sauk Center, Minn., and Thelma Dukehart of Seattle, Wash.

He was preceded in death by his uncles; Steven Groepper and Doug Berkenpas, and sisters-in-law, Lena Hardman and Marcie Bachman.

Funeral services will take place at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, at the Kingsley-Pierson High School. The Rev. Roger Kurtenbach and the Rev. John Battern will officiate. Burial will follow at the Kingsley Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Johnson - Earnest Funeral Home of Kingsley. The family will be present from 5 to 8 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the high school prior to the funeral.

The Groepper family wishes to thank Chad's fellow soldiers and friends for their thoughts, prayers and continued support. Although we are deeply saddened by the loss of our father, husband, son, brother and friend he will forever live on in our hearts. We find comfort that, for our "brave warrior," his mission is complete.