Lauretta Margaret Pape, 84, of West Union, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was born on June 3, 1940, to Arthur and Ella (Bushman) Quandt at their home near Big Rock in Fayette, Iowa. Lauretta was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Fayette and graduated from Fayette High School with the Class of 1958.
On May 10, 1975, Lauretta was united in marriage with Bill Pape at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union. She dedicated many years of her career to banking and the Interstate Power Company. A devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church, Lauretta was active in the Zion Women’s Group and sang in the church choir. She cherished her summers at the Lake of the Ozarks, enjoyed tending to her flower garden, and loved spending time outdoors. Above all, her greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Lauretta is survived by her two children, Kris (Larry) Lauer of West Union, Iowa, and Kevin (Amy) Murphy of Randalia, Iowa; five grandchildren, Ashley, Tyler, Joe, Danny, and Jacob; one great-granddaughter, Adelynn; and her siblings, Paul Quandt of Waterloo, Iowa, Debbie Klein of Hampton, Iowa, JoAnn (Russ) Treptow of Maynard, Iowa, and Kenny Quandt of Maynard, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Pape; her parents, Arthur and Ella Quandt; her brothers, Galen Quandt and Don Quandt; her sister, Betty Volker; her grandson, Danny Lauer; and several in-laws.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in West Union, Iowa. An additional hour of visitation will take place at the church on Monday, prior to the service.
A Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in West Union, Iowa, with Pastor Rusty Phillips officiating. Interment will follow at West Union Cemetery in West Union, Iowa.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in West Union, Iowa, is assisting the family with arrangements.