John Douglas Peckenpaugh was born to Charles and Lilian Smith Peckenpaugh on July 24th, 1926 and died on January 9th, 2023. He was born and raised in Auburn, WA and lived in the Auburn Valley all of his life. Dad graduated from Auburn High School and the University of Washington, where he joined Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, and last fall he was awarded the fraternity’s Platinum membership certificate. After graduating with a Pharmacy degree he joined his father at Peckenpaugh Drug Company. In 1950 he married the love of his life, Carolyn Carlson. Dad worked at the drug store until his retirement in 1988. He was active in Kiwanis, the Auburn community in general, and they were also longtime members of Messiah Lutheran Church. After retirement Mom and Dad traveled the country in their motorhome, and visited Europe several times, but Lake Chelan and Hawaii were favorite destinations. His hobbies were many: gardening, golf, boating, fishing, camping, traveling, wood carving, playing Bridge and any card game you might name. Our family was fortunate to have a large group of lifelong friends that we had many great adventures with, like pancake breakfasts, huckleberry picking, clam digging, boat trips, 4th of July picnics and many more. Dad cultivated and nurtured the friendships he had in his lifetime and he treasured time spent with all of his extended family.
John is survived by his three children: Doug (Patti) Peckenpaugh and their children Scott (Shana) Peckenpaugh, and Alyssa (Tim) Carlson; Joan (Jeff) Reynolds and their children Kate (Jon) Phillips, and Annie (Sean) Fretwell; and Sue (Steve) Westby and their children Jennifer (Jason) Saslow, David (Bri) Westby, and Andy (Sadie) Westby. And don’t forget the great grandchildren, six now with two more arriving late spring! Also surviving are his two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Peckenpaugh and Jerrie Carlson, and many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Wesley Lea Hill, where Mom and Dad lived since 2012. The compassionate care and support they received throughout those years was exceptional.
John was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Carolyn Jean Carlson Peckenpaugh, in 2017; his brother Dr. Charles Peckenpaugh; and his grandson Craig Alan Peckenpaugh.
A memorial will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church in Auburn on April 21st at 11:30.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to American Diabetes Association or Green River College Foundation General Scholarship, (12401 SE 320th St. Auburn, 98092), to honor John.
A friend reminded us that “Nothing is missed that love remembers.”
