Wilmer R. Pap

Wilmer Ray Pap was born on August 19, 1949 to Gerrit and Josephine (DeJong) Pap in Doon, Iowa, where he was raised on a farm. At a young age, his family moved to a farm west of Luverne, Minnesota. Will attended grade school first at Doon Christian School and then at Hills Christian School. He furthered his schooling in Beaver Creek and graduated from Hills-Beaver Creek High School in 1968. He then served his country by enlisting into the United States Air National Guard. Following his education, Will began working for area farmers. A short time later, he began farming on his own. On September 8, 1972 Will married Evie Vis in Luverne. The couple made their home west of Luverne and their marriage was blessed with four children. Will loved farming the land and caring for animals. He was known for his straight rows and he took pride in farming his home quarter for 50 years. On September 15, 2007, Will married Marge Nibbelink at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. In March 2021, Will was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma, which he courageously fought. In September 2022, Will and Marge moved off their acreage and into Luverne. On Tuesday, August 15, 2023 Will went to be with the Lord while surrounded by his family in his home at the age of 73 years, 11 months and 27 days.

Will attended Hills Christian Reformed Church where he had served as a Deacon and was a current member of the Luverne Christian Reformed Church where he served as a Cadet Leader and a LCSS Board Member. He also served on the Southwest Christian School Board. Christian education was always very important to him. He enjoyed playing fastpitch softball, attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events, traveling on multiple sightseeing trips, camping at Flying Goose Campground, and playing Yahtzee and Rummikub. He was a gentle and caring person who took a genuine interest in people. He also loved carrying on conversations. His spirit will continue to remain well in the hearts of many.

Will is survived by his wife, Marge; his four children, Jared (Tara) Pap of Luverne, Nicole (Stacy) Dilly of Luverne, Jonathan (Darci) Pap of Edgerton, Minnesota, and Jamie (Brigette) Pap of Luverne; 15 grandchildren, Haley (Jared) Vis, Hannah (fiancé, Oliver Deelstra) Pap and Austyn Pap, Hunter (Emily) Dilly, Jayda Dilly, and Jovienne Dilly, Daynica (fiancé, Riley Siebenahler) Pap, Whitney Pap, Josiah Pap, Dena Pap and Henry Pap, Morgan Pap, Makenzie Pap, Ryan Pap and Tyler Pap; two great-grandchildren, Everly Vis and Brielle Dilly;  Marge's children; sister, Rosann (Case) Feikema of Luverne; sister-in-law, Jean Pap of Luverne; and numerous other dear family and friends. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Josephine Dilly; parents, Gerrit and Josephine Pap; step-mother, Johanna Pap; father and mother-in-law, Henry and Johanna Vis; brother, Donald Pap; Marge's infant daughter, Janna Nibbelink; her son, Joshua Nibbelink; and her granddaughter, Emma Nibbelink.

Memorials may be directed to support Christian school education or St. Jude's Research.