Peipers celebrate 50 years

Barb and Hank Peiper celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Both lifelong Montanans, Henry Peiper was born in eastern Montana, while Barbara Walter was born “up the line” in Coram.

Barb and Hank were married Aug. 23, 1963 at Coram Presbyterian Church. Guests get a chuckle at the memory of the couple kneeling at the altar, and seeing the word “Help” scrawled by a prankster on Hank’s shoes.  

For the first half of their marriage, Barb was a homemaker, raising their three children Hank Jr., Scott and Tammy. Barb’s extraordinary decorated cakes have been the centerpiece of family celebrations for more than 50 years — from simple birthday cakes for their siblings to elaborate tiered wedding cakes for her children and grandchildren.

Hank spent his career as a journeyman plumber in the Flathead Valley, most notably for Ibsen Plumbing in Whitefish and Chuck’s Plumbing and Heating of Kalispell.

He shared his love for the outdoors with those around him. On most summer weekends, Hank and Barb packed up the kids and towed their family camper to Hungry Horse Reservoir for creek fishing.

Barb loved to sew, and it was not uncommon to see the Peiper family at the Western Montana Fair in cowboy boots, blue jeans and matching western shirts.

Once the children were grown, Barb worked at Muldown Elementary School in Whitefish, where she was a cook in the school cafeteria for nearly 15 years.

They continue to enjoy living in their home of more than 45 years on Columbia Avenue in Whitefish. In retirement, Hank and Barb enjoy traveling in their RV, fishing, and spending time with their nine grandchildren nine great-grandchildren.