Norbert Augustine Pieper, age 95, of Bennington, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026.
Norbert was born on October 23, 1930, on the family farm near Dodge, Nebraska, to Theodore and Clara (Kroenke) Pieper. Raised in rural Nebraska, he attended a one-room country school through third grade, later attending Catholic school in Dodge before graduating from Dodge High School in 1946 at the age of sixteen.
On July 19, 1949, Norbert married, Delma Pauline Mendlik, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dodge. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and community. Their marriage was blessed with twelve children, all of whom are a source of tremendous pride and joy.
Following high school, Norbert farmed alongside his father and brother Bernard. In 1961, he partnered with his brother Bernard in purchasing an Oliver franchise and operating a farm implement business under the name Pieper Implement. In 1975, Norbert and Bernard purchased Marsoun’s Tavern in Dodge. Norbert renamed the tavern Godfather’s, which he operated until 1978 while continuing to farm. He retired from farming in 1992.
Norbert was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Elkhorn; he faithfully prayed the rosary every day.
Norbert lived with awareness of the small blessings in life. He enjoyed playing cards, visiting small-town taverns with friends, tending the flowers and trees on his farm, caring for birds, and cheering on Nebraska football. He loved serving as a recycling volunteer in Dodge, and there was always room for a piece of pie, a scoop of ice cream, or a cold beer. He treasured the companionship of his dogs, Monster and Smokey.
More than any accomplishment, Norbert’s greatest legacy is the family he and Delma raised and instilled with values of hard work, sacrifice, and respect for others. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose steady presence, wisdom, and sense of humor was a source of light to countless lives.
Norbert was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Clara Pieper; his brother, Bernard Pieper; his sisters, Virginia Kreikemeier and Mariann Polodna; and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law.
He is survived by his amazing wife, Delma; his twelve children: Gerald (Lori), Mary Guetterman, Carolyn (Alvin) Hunke, Ted (Carol), Mike (Diane), Janice (Jay) Muller, Mark (Suzanne), Tim (Kate), Tom (Dianne), Norbert Jr., Julie, Chris (Kathy) and special family friend Diego Valencia, 33 grandchildren and 51 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; extended family members; and many dear friends who will cherish his memory.
Visitation will be held at Reichmuth Funeral Home in Elkhorn on Thursday, June 4th from 4-7 with rosary at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Elkhorn on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 11 a.m. with burial at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in Dodge, Nebraska.
Memorials may be directed according to family wishes.
The family would like to thank his caregivers, friends, and loved ones who supported Norbert throughout his life and final days.