Gerald F. Peppers, M.D.
April 18, 1931 - January 11, 2021 Woodland, CA
Long-time Woodland resident Dr. Gerald F. Peppers died on Jan. 11, 2021, at the age of 89. For nearly three decades, he cared for area residents as an internal medicine physician and gastroenterology specialist at the Woodland Clinic Medical Group.
Gerald was born on April 18, 1931, in Groton, SD, to parents Gale and Clara Peppers. He and his four siblings spent much of their childhood in Huron, SD. He married his high school sweetheart Beverly Kunhart in 1954.
Gerald graduated from South Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry (pre-medicine). After serving two years in the U.S. Army, he entered medical school, studying both at University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD, and Washington University in St. Louis, MO. After receiving his medical degree in 1959, he completed his medical internship and residency at Washington University’s Barnes Hospital. In 1964, he completed his post-doctoral fellowship in gastroenterology at University of Washington, Seattle. Gerald and Beverly came to Woodland in 1965, where he became the area’s first gastroenterologist, practicing internal medicine at the Woodland Clinic until he retired in 1993.
Upon retirement, Gerald resumed his long-time interest in music. He joined the Yolo County Concert Band and formed the Dixieland band “Over Forte.” He later became a member of the swing band “It’s About Time.” He played clarinet, tenor saxophone and baritone saxophone.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 66 years, Beverly; son, Joel Peppers; daughters, Karen-Marie Peppers, Mary Peppers and Kathy Amiri (and son-in-law William Fisher, M.D.); grandchildren, Amy and Maddy Peppers-Johnson and Maddox Fisher; brother, Wesley Peppers and sisterin-law Donna of Rapid City, SD; sister, Marilyn Michaels of Stillwater, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister, Carol Jean Dietrich and brother, Norman Peppers.
A private memorial celebration of his life will be held later for family.