Wayne Pepple Obituary

Wayne L. Pepple

Wayne L. Pepple, 90, of Findlay, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at The Heritage surrounded by love and family.

He was born January 18, 1935, in Findlay, to the late A. Lawrence and Eva M. (Struble) Pepple.

In June of 1954, Wayne married his high school sweetheart, Shirley, who survives him. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

He is also survived by his sons, Mike (Sue) Pepple of Findlay and Jeff (Pam) Pepple of Jenera; and daughters, Jan Grieser of Findlay and Linda (Brian) Reigle of Marysville.He was a proud grandfather to Chad Grieser, Ben (Luvern) Grieser, Kyle (Ray) Cunningham, Megan Laslow, Lauren (Nate) Etler, Jenna Pepple, Jacob Pepple and James Pepple; and a loving great-grandfather to nine, with one great-great-grandchild.

Wayne was preceded in death by his brother, Paul N. Pepple; sister-in-law, Sara; his sister-in-law, Barb; and brother-in-law, John Houser.

Growing up on his multi-generational family farm in rural Findlay, Wayne learned the value of hard work from a young age. He was especially proud that the Pepple Homestead received the Ohio Sesquicentennial Farm Award in 2020, recognizing 150 years of continuous family ownership and operation.

Wayne graduated from Arlington High School in 1953 and from The Ohio State University in 1957. While at Arlington, he was a member of Buckeye Boys' State, National Honor Society, National FFA Champion Dairy Judging Team, and First National Bank Calf Club. He also excelled in basketball and football.

He was a lifelong member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church and served his community as a Hancock County Commissioner.

In addition to farming full-time, Wayne built a respected career at First National Bank of Findlay (now Fifth Third Bank), eventually serving as vice president of real estate and farm loans. He will always be fondly remembered as First National Bank's Calf Club advisor, helping hundreds of youth with their steer projects at Hancock County Fair.

Wayne always made time to attend his children's and grandchildren's sporting events and supported them in all of their endeavors. His love for his family and strong values created a legacy that will live on for generations.

Beyond work and community, Wayne cherished many vacations with his wife and family, including spending a week at Saugatuck, Michigan, for over 30 years.

A Celebration of Life to honor Wayne will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, June 6, 2025, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Wayne's name to Arlington Education Foundation, PO Box 451, Arlington, OH 45814 or Arlington Community Fund c/o Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, 101 W. Sandusky St, STE 207, Findlay, Ohio 45840.

Online condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting coldrencrates.com.