Joan Verna Pape
Joan Verna Pape of Watertown, passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, at the age of 86.
Joan was born on March 24, 1936, the first born of Verna (Kohlman) and Edgar Rehse in Juneau. Her baptism and confirmation were at St. John’s Lutheran Church. She attended school and graduated from Juneau.
Before attending Whitewater College, she worked at Beaver Ready-Mix and Juneau Title and Abstract office.
On September 1,1962, she married Claude Pape at Fairview Lutheran Church in West Allis and they resided in New Berlin. Together they had three children.
She was employed by Briggs and Stratton for almost 20 years as a credit manager of the international division. She got to meet many interesting people from all over the world that sparked her interest in travel.
After Claude’s death in 1985, she moved to Mauston, to work for Best Power. While living in Mauston, she hosted two exchange students-one from Sweden and one from Germany.
When she retired from Best Power, she moved to Eagle River. She said her best job was at Christ Lutheran Church in Eagle River. About 10 years later, she made the 360 degree circle returning to Juneau and lived on Lake Sinissippi, which is near Juneau and again joined St. John’s Church. Her next move was to Ashippun, where she lived for another 10 years.
Her children and grandchildren will fondly remember playing card and board games with her, as will her many friends from around the surrounding communities. She golfed and early in life was a “serious” bowler. Watching her grandchildren play sports was a great pastime, as well as marking score for the Horicon baseball team. She volunteered at the Bread Basket, a food pantry, in Ashippun. Joan had a big heart for animals, especially labrador retrievers and other breeds of dogs.
Joan is survived by her children, Cindy Kessenich of New Berlin, Terri Ristow (Brian) of Lindstrom, MN, and Daniel (June) of Dousman; six grandchildren, Sam Kessenich (Samantha Jennings), Alicia Skoog (Tony), Kelsey Ristow, Erica Ristow, Brandon Pape (Lydia), and Breanna Pape; great-grandchildren, Kylie, Barrett, and Reese Skoog. She is also survived by her sister, Bonnie Gahwiler (Joe) and many other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her loving husband, Claude (Bud).
A Christian funeral service will be held on Friday, April 14, at 3 p.m. at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (NEW LOCATION: 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066). Visitation will take place at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. A reception with light appetizers will immediately follow the service. A private burial will take place on Monday, April 17.
We would like to thank Dr. Agnew from Aurora Hospital for the many years of care she provided mom and the thoughtfulness that she has shown to our family.
Memorials if desired can be given to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 3328 County Rd O, Ixonia, WI 53036.
Joan was born on March 24, 1936, the first born of Verna (Kohlman) and Edgar Rehse in Juneau. Her baptism and confirmation were at St. John’s Lutheran Church. She attended school and graduated from Juneau.
Before attending Whitewater College, she worked at Beaver Ready-Mix and Juneau Title and Abstract office.
On September 1,1962, she married Claude Pape at Fairview Lutheran Church in West Allis and they resided in New Berlin. Together they had three children.
She was employed by Briggs and Stratton for almost 20 years as a credit manager of the international division. She got to meet many interesting people from all over the world that sparked her interest in travel.
After Claude’s death in 1985, she moved to Mauston, to work for Best Power. While living in Mauston, she hosted two exchange students-one from Sweden and one from Germany.
When she retired from Best Power, she moved to Eagle River. She said her best job was at Christ Lutheran Church in Eagle River. About 10 years later, she made the 360 degree circle returning to Juneau and lived on Lake Sinissippi, which is near Juneau and again joined St. John’s Church. Her next move was to Ashippun, where she lived for another 10 years.
Her children and grandchildren will fondly remember playing card and board games with her, as will her many friends from around the surrounding communities. She golfed and early in life was a “serious” bowler. Watching her grandchildren play sports was a great pastime, as well as marking score for the Horicon baseball team. She volunteered at the Bread Basket, a food pantry, in Ashippun. Joan had a big heart for animals, especially labrador retrievers and other breeds of dogs.
Joan is survived by her children, Cindy Kessenich of New Berlin, Terri Ristow (Brian) of Lindstrom, MN, and Daniel (June) of Dousman; six grandchildren, Sam Kessenich (Samantha Jennings), Alicia Skoog (Tony), Kelsey Ristow, Erica Ristow, Brandon Pape (Lydia), and Breanna Pape; great-grandchildren, Kylie, Barrett, and Reese Skoog. She is also survived by her sister, Bonnie Gahwiler (Joe) and many other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her loving husband, Claude (Bud).
A Christian funeral service will be held on Friday, April 14, at 3 p.m. at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (NEW LOCATION: 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066). Visitation will take place at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. A reception with light appetizers will immediately follow the service. A private burial will take place on Monday, April 17.
We would like to thank Dr. Agnew from Aurora Hospital for the many years of care she provided mom and the thoughtfulness that she has shown to our family.
Memorials if desired can be given to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 3328 County Rd O, Ixonia, WI 53036.
Pagenkopf Funeral Home in Oconomowoc is serving the family.
