Kenneth "Ken" Pape

Kenneth John Lester Pape was born to John and Ella (Wende) Pape on January 6, 1937 on a farm in Pipestone County, Minnesota where he was raised and attended school in District 57 and then Pipestone High School. Upon completion of his education, he started farming on his own. On December 14, 1958, he was united in marriage to Barbara Wrege at St. John Lutheran Church in Trosky, Minnesota. Following their marriage, they lived and farmed in Sweet Township of Pipestone County on the farm his father started and it has remained the family farm for over 100 years. Julie and Paul continue to farm the land. Ken also worked full-time for the United States Postal Service for 25 years and he sold seed to area farmers for many years, working as an O’s Gold and Dekalb seed salesman. He was a member of the Pipestone County Pork Producers and spent time supporting his children in their many 4-H projects over the years including chickens, hogs, sheep and cattle. In 1995, they retired from farming and moved into Pipestone. After retirement, Ken and Barb spent winters in Texas. On November 30, 2008, Barb preceded him in death. After her death, he continued to live in Pipestone. In the fall of 2018, Ken moved into Ridge View Estates in Pipestone. On May 30, 2025, he entered the Pipestone County Hospice House where he passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the age of 88.

Ken was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pipestone where he served as a trustee and secretary for the congregation. He enjoyed playing cards, camping and fishing. He collected toy tractors. He enjoyed visiting Prairie Village in Madison, South Dakota, several years going to the Spencer County Fair in Iowa and many trips with Barb. He always loved coffee and cookies with his grandkids and great-grandkids. He was a friend to everyone he met and will always hold the title of “World’s Best Dad and Grandpa Kenny”. Anyone that knew Ken, knew he enjoyed a good negotiation to get the best deal, his quick wit and a good tease, most recently with his infamous statement, “Bist Du Verruct”! Ken was never one to complain and even in his final days, when asked about discomfort, he answered with “negatory” or “I’m Okay” with a smile.

He is lovingly remembered by his four children, Bruce Pape and his wife Pat of Pipestone, Minnesota, Julie Garberding and her husband Paul of Pipestone, Dawn Pape of St. Robert, Missouri and Doug Pape and his wife Paula of Pipestone; 11 grandchildren, Karla (Chris) Loll, Dustin (Jessica) Pape, Mandi (Andrew) Kuehl, Melissa (Bobby) McCorquodale, Tylee (Josh) Johnson, John Pape, Bradley Pape, Zach DeSmith, Bridget (Cory) Lingen, Brent Pape and Kelly (Westyn Burke) Pape, and 13 great-grandchildren, Trevor Pape, Dane McCorquodale, Tenli McCorquodale, Cora Loll, Sawyer Pape, Warren Kuehl, Brayson Lingen, Khloe Loll, Coyer McCorquodale, Kinsey Kuehl, Berklee Lingen, Huxley Pape and Evelyn DeSmith. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara and one infant son, Keith.