Glen Peppel

 Glen Peppel, of East Gull Lake, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2024, at 88 years old. He was born on November 9, 1935 in Aitkin, MN, and was preceded in death by his mother, Millie Peppel-Johnson, father, William Peppel, stepfather, Ernie Johnson, and brother, Don Peppel. Glen is survived by his wife, Donna Peppel, brothers Dale and Bill Peppel, son, Keith Peppel (Lori), daughter, Nancy Peterson (Skip), grandsons, PJ, Jake, and Erik Peterson, and Evan Peppel.

Glen attended Northland Public Schools in Remer and went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bemidji State University.

Glen's professional life was a testament to his dedication to education and law enforcement. He served as the Coordinator for the Law Enforcement Program at Brainerd Community College, where he inspired countless students with his expertise and passion for justice. Glen also served as a part-time police officer for the Breezy Point Police Department starting in 1979; and from 1971 to 1980, he was the Chief of Security at Brainerd International Raceway. He was named Sergeant of the Brainerd Police Department Police Reserves from 1971 to 1977. He also served on the Crow Wing County Water Patrol.

Glen's commitment to public service extended beyond his professional roles. A United States Army veteran, he served his country from 1954 to 1956. He was a Certified Instructor for 1st Responder E.M.T., the American Heart Association, and Advanced First Aid. His teaching career included positions at Brainerd Community College, Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, MI, Brandon High School, and Two Harbors Public Schools.

In addition to his teaching and law enforcement roles, Glen was a devoted coach and sports enthusiast. He spent 23 years as a head baseball coach for high school and college teams, winning a State College baseball championship with BCC, 7 years as a head basketball coach, 3 years as a head wrestling coach, and 28 years as an athletic official for the Minnesota State High School League, and was inducted into the BCC/CLC Hall of Fame in 2003.

Outside of his professional life, Glen cherished his time spent hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, square dancing, wild ricing, meticulously caring for his lawn, riding ATV in Arizona, and RV trips with friends. He enjoyed wood finishing and house painting, taking great pride in his craftsmanship. Glen took on various jobs later in life: starter for Madden’s West Golf Course, staying busy while feeding his love for golfing, driving test vehicles, and stocking shelves at Target. Faith in God and commitment to the church led he and Donna to become charter members of Lord of Life church in Baxter. Above all, Glen was a loving husband to his wife Donna, father to his kids Keith and Nancy, and grandfather to his four grandsons PJ, Jake, Erik, and Evan. His family was the center of his world, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, dedication, and integrity.

Glen Peppel truly "did it all," and his impact on the community, his students, and his family will be remembered for generations to come. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. A celebration of life will take place on Monday, July 8, 2024, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter, MN at 11:00 AM with a visitation from 10:00 - 11:00 AM. A family burial service with Honor Guard will be held at Fort Ripley Veteran’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

You can watch Glen's service here

Glen's family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Cuyuna Regional Care Center and Heartwood. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.