At the age of 75, Kurt Conrad Peppel passed away on May 11, 2026 in Savannah, Georgia. Kurt was born September 1, 1950 to Elsie Delores (Smothers) Peppel and Henry Robert Peppel I at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With family roots in Michigan and LaPorte County, Indiana, he was a 1968 graduate of St. Mary’s High School.
Kurt began a life and career marked by dedication, both to his country and his community beginning with enlisting in the US Army in 1969 and serving 3 tours totaling 22 months in Vietnam as an Intel Coordinator with the 525th Military Intelligence Group and duty with the 101st Airborne Division. Following his enlistment and working initially at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City, he fostered a further interest in law enforcement. While continuing his service in the U.S. Army Reserves, Kurt obtained a B.S. Degree in Criminology and Political Science from Indiana State University. Through Army ROTC and the Green-to-Gold Program, he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry in 1976 with an initial assignment to the 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
He furthered distinguished his military service with extensive assignments in recruiting in U.S. Army Recruiting Command with both the Indianapolis District Recruiting Command; and later, as an Army-wide specialized recruiter for US Army Special Forces. He completed his active duty stationed with the XVIIIth Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg and later retiring from the US Army Reserves in the 11th Special Forces Group, Fort Meade, Maryland in 1993. He retired at the rank of Major as a Special Forces Officer. Embodying the essence of a retired veteran patriot, while residing in Maryland, he eventually returned to a career in law enforcement as a police officer where he retired from the Fairfax County Police in Virginia in 2017.
Kurt’s many interests included enjoying the passions of life with his wife, Kitty (Clevinger) Peppel formerly of Pikeville, Kentucky; the company of four grandchildren; pursuing the finer art of a wine enthusiast (also enjoying a favorite Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned), traveling, golfing, and cooking. He was an active member of the VFW where he also served as a post commander. Civic affiliations also included FOP, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and American Legion. He always loved planning and participating in annual family reunions. Kurt relished this civic engagement with the same dedication he espoused throughout his military career.
He was predeceased by a son (Justin), both parents and 3 brothers; Douglas Alan, Henry Robert, and Ronald Eugene.
Kurt’s loving wife of more than 32 years now survives him residing in the Savannah, Georgia area. He is also survived by a son, Shaun; four grandchildren (Keyarah, Triniti, Noah, and Kai); a brother (Duane), and a sister (Cynthia Chism).
Further funeral arrangements are pending and will be finalized with Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia at a date to be determined in 2027 and to be announced.
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Susan O'Connor
Kurt, who I referred to as dad, was a dear friend and confidant along his precious wife, Kitty! I know his incredible spirit remains with as well as memories of yesteryear. Kurt was truly a blessing in my life. I love you, dad. ❤️❤️❤️😇
Mustafa Mohamud
I was deeply saddened to learn of Kurt Peppel’s passing. He was not only a valued coworker but a true friend whose presence brightened our days at work and beyond. His warm personality, quick wit, and dedication made even the toughest projects feel manageable and turned ordinary moments into something better.
Kurt will be greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His positive attitude and willingness to help others left a lasting impact on our team, and I feel fortunate to have worked alongside him and called him a friend.
Please know that my thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time. You will be missed dearly my friend RIP.
Donne Walton
I remember being with Kitty the first time she met Kurt. He had a great personality and always made you laugh. He served his country well both in the military and being a Police Officer. He always had stories to tell and he will be missed.
Sending condolences to his wife, Kitty my dear friend and to the members of his family.
He is at peace now and in the arms of our loving Savior and Lord.
Diane Neslund
Cousin Kurt was not only my “favorite” cousin, but also considered a very good friend! He was aka “Uncle Kurt” to my 3 children as well. He was very well admired, respected and revered by all, especially our entire family including my brother, (his cousins), Rick Ludwig, sister Laura Ludwig and our beloved Mother, Linda Peppel-Ludwig. We are so grateful to have shared so many precious memories together including his visits to Arizona on frequent occasions for work, and pleasure with Kitty. He recently made a valiant effort to travel and attend my son Nicholas and Ashley Neslund’s wedding ceremony in Wayzata, Minnesota last September 29, 2025. His kind heart and affection will remain treasured in our hearts forever, and will be greatly missed by all!! ❤️🙏💐
Jacqueline Moutran
May his soul rests in peace 🙏
We will always remember him fondly 🙏
May God comfort Kitty and all his loved ones during this sad period 🙏
Sam Milton & Family
Kitty & Family,
May your hearts find the kind of comfort that only God can provide. “…and death will be no more…” Revelation 21:3,4.
Ronald and Eveline McLendon
Kurt, Kitty and Shaun and family.
We only knew you all for a short time but found ourselves blessed by your warmth and generous hospitably. We enjoyed your company and wish you our condolences, prayers and thoughts going forward. Enjoyed the military connection and reminiscence.
Respectfully, Ronald and Eveline McLendon