John Pape

John Pape, 78, of Clermont, Iowa died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

John Thomas, the son of George and Matilda (Schmelzer) Pape, was born Jan. 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; 15 nieces and nephews; 27 great nieces and great nephews; and 49 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.

Funeral Services were at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Clermont. Rev. Dale Rausch will be the celebrant.

Visitation was held on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home in Clermont and one hour before services at the church on Saturday. There was a family rosary service before visitation and 6:30 p.m. Scripture Service at the funeral home on Friday.

Interment will be held in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clermont, Iowa helped the family with the arrangements.          7u7