John Peppler, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors – Glen Arbor, passed away on August 9 at age 75

John Peppler, a realtor with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors – Glen Arbor, was an influential member of his community for many years. A Vietnam veteran who proudly served in the 1st Battalion 20th Infantry from 1967-69, John was proud of his service in this capacity.

He was the founding ski coach at Glen Lake High School, worked with Leelanau Ski Club, and served as head coach at Northern Michigan University. In 2014 he was honored by Professional Ski Instructors of America with their Lifetime Achievement Award and Membership.

Early Life and Education

John Peppler was a familiar face in Glen Arbor for decades and an affable realtor with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors. On August 9th at 75 years of age, John succumbed to a long battle against tick-borne disease.

He was born in 1947 and grew up on the east side of Big Glen Lake. His earliest memories involve waking up to its sparkling blue waters, feeling as if it were an oasis where he could escape from reality.

He had a burning desire to start and support a family, which spurred him on to leave law school and secure employment. Additionally, he joined the Brooklyn Eagles football team as well.

Professional Career

John Peppler’s professional career began in the early 1970s when he joined Peppler Realty, a family business in Glen Arbor. He remained with the firm when it merged with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors in 1997 and was later awarded Realtor Emeritus status in 2016.

He was also actively involved in skiing, becoming a Certified Ski Instructor. He coached with the Leelanau Ski Club, served as head coach at Northern Michigan University and taught at Sugar Loaf Ski Area.

His career was highlighted by his time spent with the Green Bay Packers, serving as personnel director and scouting director during their 1960s dynasty that saw them win three consecutive NFL championships from 1965-’67 and host the first two Super Bowls. He scouted and drafted players such as Ken Bowman, Donny Anderson, Gale Gillingham, Travis Williams, Fred Carr, Rich McGeorge, Jim Grabowski and many others during that era.

Achievements and Honors

John Peppler was an illustrious basketball player. He won several state championships and was part of the legendary Empire City Hawks team.

He was an incredibly successful businessman. In addition to owning Empire City Golf Club, he had his hand in many other ventures as well.

He was an exceptional teacher, with two of his faculty members receiving excellence in teaching awards.

Personal Life

John Peppler is a former football player and retired judge. He has a deep commitment to his community and was an active participant in Boy Scouting activities.

He enjoys traveling and reading in his free time. Additionally, he appreciates spending quality time with family and friends outdoors.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; two sisters, Linda Peppler and Christine Johnson; as well as a brother-in-law, Gary Johnson.

He will be deeply missed by his many friends and family. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Glen Lake, Michigan.

On March 30th, The Herald Tribune ran a story about him. It involved a man who had collapsed in Peoples Park and also involved a dog.

Net Worth

John Peppler was a beloved and esteemed member of the Glen Arbor community for more than four decades. A fixture at Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors for nearly 50 years, John earned Realtor Emeritus status from The National Association of Realtors in 2016. As an engaging real estate agent, John had an easygoing personality and reputation for being kind, empathetic and quick to smile. Additionally, John displayed impressive intelligence as well as being willing to share information freely. John was active with Empire Lions Club and Glen Lake Association; additionally he served as former Glen Arbor Township Trustee.

On August 9th, 2017 he passed away at 75 years of age and was survived by his sister Linda Peppler and brother-in-law Gary Johnson.