John Pape, 78, of Clermont, Iowa died Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. John Thomas, the son of George and Matilda (Schmelzer) Pape, was born January 3, 1939 in West Union, Iowa. He attended the Union #2 country school, St. Peter’s Parochial School, and graduated from Clermont High School in 1956. John served with the Army National Guard for several years. John farmed the family farm until his retirement in the late 2000’s.
John was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clermont. He enjoyed gardening, reading, mushroom hunting, playing cards, and spending time with his family. He loved animals and had many pets, including dogs, cats, chickens, cows, pigs, and geese.
John is survived by five siblings, Gladys Peters of Elgin, Iowa; Joyce (Bert) Westpfahl of Hiawatha, Iowa; Nancy Heller of Clermont, Iowa; Michael (Judy) Pape of Tallahassee, Florida; and Christine Wander-Meisner (Lyle) of Clermont, Iowa; fifteen nieces and nephews; twenty-seven great nieces and great nephews; and forty-nine great-great nieces and great-great nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, George and Matilda; two brothers, George, Jr. and Zebhert Pape; one sister, Ann Blockhus; four brothers-in-law, Bill Peters, Gerald Blockhus, Jerry Wander, and Elmer Heller; and one great niece, Robin Meyer.
Visitation will be Friday, January 10, 2017 from 4-7 pm at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Clermont, Iowa with a Rosary at 3:30 pm and a Scripture Service at 6:30 pm. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the Church on Saturday.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Clermont, Iowa with Rev. Dale Rausch as the Celebrant.
Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, Clermont, Iowa.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service is helping the family with arrangements.