Howard Steven Pepke

Howard Steven Pepke, 74, resident of rural Cle Elum, Washington passed away at home on August 28, 2018. Private services will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery, in Kent, Washington.

Steve was born in Seattle, Washington October 22, 1943 to Howard Pepke and Pearl Hume Pepke.

He grew up in Seattle and Issaquah, Washington and graduated from Issaquah High School in 1961. He then attended Washington State University for two years before enlisting in the Air Force and serving in Italy as a Russian translator during the Vietnam War. Later he had his own business for years creating die cuts for sports and toy companies. After two marriages he met his soul mate Sherry Cozens and was married the last 19 years to her.

He was a classroom volunteer for his wife at Clark Elementary school in Issaquah, Washington for ten years. They enjoyed travelling and remodeling three homes. They also enjoyed participating in reenactments of Mountain Man Rendezvous. Steve was a history buff and enjoyed creating airplane, ship, car and train models. He framed his wife’s paintings and taught classes in making mobiles at Art East Gallery. He also loved animals, especially his two Chihuahuas.

Steve is survived by his wife, best friend and partner, Sherry Cozens Pepke, son Travis (Leah) Pepke of Eureka, California; step-children, Todd (Kristin) Lozier, Amy (Will) Harper, and grandchildren; Chloe, Annika, Lauren, Sierra, Dante, Claire and Taika.

He is also survived by sister, Dee Smith of Ferndale, Washington.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-daughter, Gina Lozier.