GROEPPER, CHAD

Chad D. Groepper was born on October  24, 1986 in Sioux City, IA  to David & Darcy Groepper and was a 2004 graduate of Kingsley-Pierson High School, where his senior year he joined the football team and played defense. During high school, Chad talked about embarking on various careers, but he always returned to the idea of joining the Army. He had worked one summer for a local farming partnership, and he had been employed at a Kingsley plumbing shop. 

 During his childhood he enjoyed fishing, building, tinkering with anything mechanical, helping his dad with the cattle and Mom with yard work. Chad loved his pets. His dogs, Jack and Gunther remain on the family farm with Mom and Dad. Having a sense of humor, Chad’s sister, Denae, asked him to change the oil in her car and instead, he installed new speakers. When she asked him about it he said “yeah, but doesn’t it sound great”. 

Chad knew early on that he wanted to be a part of the US military. A man who was not afraid of anything; Infantry was an easy decision. Just 12 days after he graduated from high school, CPL Groepper enlisted in the U.S. Army and completed his basic training at Fort Benning Georgia. After his initial training was complete, he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, WA. 

CPL Groepper died on 17 February 2008 from wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his dismounted patrol using small arms fire in Baqubah, Iraq. 

Chad taught us many things, but probably the most important was to never stop making things better. Groepper was known to be adventurous. At his funeral, a tiny pair of his first cowboy boots were displayed. His casket was painted with racer flames.  

CPL Groepper is survived by his wife, Stephanie, daughter, Clarissa. He is also survived by his parents, David & Darcy Groepper; sisters, Denae (Matt Erickson); Abbie (Tim Susie). Other survivors include his wife's family; parents, Vern & Sue Kittleson; brothers in law, Chris (Vicky), Matt (Sepideh) & his niece Chloe Kittleson; his grandparents, Loren & Verna Groepper & Jim & DarIa Rock; his wife's grandparents, Rosie Carter and Thelma Dukehart. He was preceded in death by his uncles; Steven Groepper & Doug Berkenpas, and sisters-in-law, Lena Hardman and Marcie Bachman. 

The Groepper family wishes to thank Chad's fellow soldiers and friends for their thoughts, prayers and continued support. Although we are deeply saddened by the loss of our father, husband, son, brother & friend he will forever live on in our hearts. We find comfort that, for our "brave warrior", his mission is complete. 

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers CPL Chad Groepper for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. Our hope is that his life continues to inspire all who learn his story.