Christian L. "Pepper" Kerschbaumer

Christian L. “Pepper” Kerschbaumer, age 52, passed away from complications of Type 2 Diabetes on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Born on November 14, 1972, in Dover, Ohio, Pepper lived a life marked by humor, intelligence, and a deep love for the people and passions that surrounded him. He embraced life with an unmistakable spark.

A proud graduate of Claymont High School’s Class of 1991, Pepper went on to earn a degree in mechanics - an education that fueled his lifelong enthusiasm for working on motor vehicles. Whether under the hood of a car or tinkering with tools, he found joy and purpose in fixing things and lending a hand to those in need.

Pepper had a wide range of interests that reflected his vibrant personality. He loved fishing and spending time outdoors, especially at his cherished property in West Virginia. He was an avid thrifter and collector who delighted in finding hidden treasures, often repurposing them. Pepper was very resourceful. Known for his sense of humor and quick wit, he brought laughter wherever he went. His unique spirit shone through in everything he did, from sharing stories to enjoying life’s simple pleasures, like cooking and snacking - a LOT of snacking. Whether sharing laughs with friends or enjoying a toke under the stars, he lived his life authentically.

Pepper is lovingly remembered by his mother Rose Metzger and her husband, Dan “Boonie” Metzger; his sister, Michelle Inherst, her husband, Clay Inherst, and their son, Quenton; his sister, Monica Roush, her husband James “Jim Ed” Roush, and their children, Scarlett and Avery; his brother, Seth Kerschbaumer, Seth’s fiancée, Jessika Carter, and their children, Emma and Essie; his four sons; his two grandchildren; his two invisible daughters, Isabelle and Elizabeth - who went with him everywhere causing mischief along the way; and his many other family members whom he held dear.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Kerschbaumer, and his sister, Anita Gal.

A celebration of Pepper’s life will be held on Saturday, August 30, at 2 p.m., in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, 803 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, where family and friends may call 1 - 2 p.m.

Those who knew Pepper will remember him as fun-loving, caring, crazy smart - and always unapologetically himself. Please always remember to: Be kind to yourself. Give yourself grace, compassion, and forgiveness.

May his memory serve as a reminder to live with a huge heart, lots of humor, and maybe a little smoke.

“Never be a prisoner of your past; it was just a lesson, not a life sentence.”

Instead of flowers, those who desire may make a monetary contribution to Rose Metzger to help with Pepper’s final expenses.