Donald Theodore Schmeckpeper

Donald Theodore Schmeckpeper was born on April 3, 1935, to Theodore and Florence Schmeckpeper in Fremont, Nebraska. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church, setting the foundation for his strong Christian faith and commitment to the church, including his many years of service as an usher, counter, trustee, and board member. In retirement, he and wife Becky volunteered as Laborers for Christ at churches in Illinois, making life-long friends.

Don graduated from Paullina Iowa High School in 1952 and served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, being discharged in 1955. On June 29, 1958, he married Rebecca (Becky) Blessing.

Don attended Dunwoody Vocational School and worked as an auto mechanic for seven years. He then pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree and spent 27 years teaching auto mechanics at Dunwoody and Hennepin County Vocational School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During his teaching career, he became a highly respected instructor and mentor, sharing his expertise on a local weekly radio talk show.

His passion was camping, and he was blessed in his retirement to live full-time for 15 years traveling with his wife Becky in their RV. He also enjoyed water skiing, biking, and snowmobiling. Prior to retirement, Don was one of the founding members and served as one of the original presidents of the Winnehahas, a Winnebago RVing club.

Don was known as a very giving person, always ready to lend a hand, especially with advice on automobiles. His family and friends remember him teaching them how to waterski and snowmobile. During his retirement, he acquired a new talent for woodworking, building furniture pieces for family, and games like Pegs & Jokers for friends and family.

After moving to Chattanooga, Tennessee, he and wife Becky lived in Ashwood Square Independent Living and later at Morning Pointe Assisted Living in Ooltewah, Tennessee.

Don will always be remembered for his generosity, love of family, and dry wit.

He is survived by his beloved wife Becky; two daughters, Susan Juhola (David) and Cindy Christian (Rick); grandchildren Jessica Welch, Katlin Christian, and Nathan Christian; and great-granddaughter Koree Welch. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Florence (Medhus) Schmeckpeper; sister, Eleanor Kamrath; and brother, Richard Schmeckpeper. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

There will be a memorial service on January 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at Living Hope Lutheran Church, located at 2268 Encompass Drive, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421

Don will be interned at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee on January 14, 2024 at 12:30 p.m.