Wally Pape

Waldemar "Wally" August Pape, age 97 of Mankato, Minnesota passed away peacefully on Monday, March 10, 2025. Wally was born on August 23, 1927, in Truman, MN to Anna and August Pape. They moved to rural Garden City where he grew up on a farm.

Soon after graduating from Garden City High School in 1945, Wally served in the Army during World War II from October 1945 to November 1946 before being honorably discharged. He married the love of his life, Jane Louise Greenough, on April 15, 1950. Wally both farmed and worked as a rural mail carrier until his retirement. He served on many boards including school, church, fair, and agricultural. He successfully owned and operated Pape Trailer Sales and Repair for many years.

After retirement, Wally and Jane enjoyed many trips to their winter haven, Lemon Tree Estates, near Mission, Texas, where they met life-long friends and enjoyed all the park activities. Wally and Jane also enjoyed summer and fall adventures at their lake cabin near Osakis, MN. After Jane’s passing in 2005, Wally continued to live in their home in Garden City, MN for many years until moving into independent senior living in 2021. He remained independent through major health battles, always surprising his doctors.

In January 2025, he completed his bucket list with one last trip back to Lemon Tree Estates to visit old friends. His family was his true inspiration and source of happiness throughout his life bringing him great joy. Wally was dearly loved and will be missed by many. He had a very strong faith and was ready to go home to our dear Lord.

Wally is survived by his children, Kathryn (Stephen) Wilcox and Curt (Darcy) Pape; nine grandchildren, Ryan Lund, Ross Lund, Robb Lund, Rick Lund, Mary Jane (Nick) Hollerich, Lesa (Tanner) Drysdale, Laura (Nick) Pierson, Caulina Pape, and Hope Pape; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild.

Wally was preceded in death by his wife Jane; parents, August and Anna Pape; mother-in-law, Mary (Chester) Greenough; step father-in-law, Walter Gosewisch; sisters, Vera (Ben) Wilde, Henrietta (Ray) Matzke, and Lydia (Walter) Miescke; and brother-in-law, Jim (LaVerne) Greenough.

The family is forever grateful for the care and compassion that Wally was shown in his final days from the Mayo Clinic Hospital employees in Mankato, MN.

Private funeral service will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Vernon Center, with a burial on a later date at the Garden City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, please donate to either St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Vernon Center or Hosannah Lutheran Church in Mankato in his honor.