Robert Culpepper Jelin

Robert Culpepper "Pepper" Jelin, 79, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, passed away at home on July 15, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on May 12, 1947, in Glendale, California, Pepper was the beloved son of Mary Claire Griffin and Leo Zola Jelin. From an early age, he embraced life with enthusiasm, kindness, and a playful spirit that never left him. Growing up, Pepper excelled in athletics. He was an accomplished competitive swimmer, qualifying for the Junior Olympics and earning numerous swimming medals throughout his youth. He trained at the Los Angeles Athletic Club (LAAC) under internationally renowned swimming coach Peter Daland. He also became an exceptional golfer, receiving Hoover High School's Most Valuable Golfer Award in 1965 and as an adult was a scratch golfer. He played water polo, earning Best Defensive Player his senior year. He was equally gifted in music and loved playing the piano. Pepper proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1970 stationed on Midway Island, where he learned to scuba dive and then recommissioning the USS Midway, in San Francisco, CA. Following his honorable discharge, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at California State University, Northridge in 1973 and enjoyed a successful career in accounting in Glendale, CA. Outside of work, Pepper found joy in the simple pleasures of life-swimming, golf, scuba diving, traveling, fine wine, spirited games of Scrabble, and sharing stories with family and friends. He enjoyed wine tasting in Paso Robles, CA where he and his wife Patricia, got married in September of 2013 at Denner Winery. He was known for mixing a legendary margarita, welcoming everyone with warmth, and bringing laughter wherever he went. More than his accomplishments, Pepper will be remembered for the way he made people feel. He had a mischievous spirit, a generous heart, a wonderful sense of humor, and a genuine kindness that drew people to him. He had a quiet love for Jesus and a deep faith that carried him through his illness with grace. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose love for his family was evident in everything he did. Pepper is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Harwell Vessey; his daughters, Jennifer (Craig) Lynn Cawlfield and Allison (Michael Bennett) Marie Jelin; his grandson, Griffin Culpepper Bennett; several cousins including Joy Brewer, who was like a sister, her family Jamie, Ken, Sarah and Aaron Kinsley; Patricia's daughters Amy (PJ) Noelke and Emily (Alex) Aquino, 6 grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Griffin Jelin. A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Another celebration of his life will occur in California, December 19, 2026. He leaves behind countless wonderful memories, a lifetime of laughter, and a legacy of kindness and generosity that will continue to live on in everyone fortunate enough to have known him. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Ocean Conservancy, Oceana or NRDC in his name as he had a passionate love for the ocean and its flora and fauna.

Robert Culpepper Jelin

May 12, 1947 - July 15, 2026

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