Time For Memory

Carl Albert Paepke

1925 - 2012

Carl A. Paepke age 86 of Pierson passed away at his home on Wednesday April 18, 2012.

He was born at home in Pierson Township on September 19, 1925 the son of Albert and Gladys Bradley Paepke. Carl was a veteran of WW II serving in the US Army 90th Division Tough Ohmbres stationed in Central Europe and receiving a bronze battle star. He married Donna J. Fike on August 28, 1944 in Rockford. They were married for 65 years when she died on Christmas Day 2009. He was also preceded in death by his daughter Kathleen in 2006 and his sisters Jessie and Mildred and brothers Glenn and George Dann and sister in law Mildred Paepke.

He was active in the community serving 18 years as Montcalm County Commissioner and on many committees of the commission especially enjoying the Health, Parks and Recreation and Solid Waste committees. He attended St. Thomas Lutheran Church, was a life member of the Sand Lake VFW Post and past commander, the Sand Lake Lions Club serving as an officer and also a member of various political organizations. He enjoyed his farming and was a member of the American Breeders Service where he worked with cattle breeding and research in breeding. He also enjoyed his gardening, wood-working, picnics and fishing in his pond.

He is survived by his daughters; Priscilla (Bob) Heimbecker and Jeanne McKim Poulsen (Steven) both of Trufant, his grandchildren; Jeffrey (Denise) Heimbecker and Jerry Heimbecker both of Croton, Katie (Lawrence) Vander Zee of Cutlerville, Matthew Hiembecker of Trufant, Shawn (Julie) McKim of Ponte Vedra Florida, Jackie (Kevin) Underwood of Lowell, Brad Austin of Cedar Springs, great grandchildren; Brett, Breanna, Timothy, Zachary, Jacob, Joshua, Jennie, Lauren and Jaxon, his brothers Fred of Lakeview and Daniel Paepke of Idaho and sister in law Beulah Dann of Pierson and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday April 21, 2012 11AM at St Thomas Lutheran Church in Trufant with Rev. Aaron Sorrels officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Pierson Cemetery, Pierson. Visitation will be Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at Hurst Funeral Home Greenville. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Thomas Lutheran Church or Hospice.

There are currently 26 condolences.

1 Thursday August 16, 2012 at 6:19 AM
-1'

Trish Wright ItsTrish@Hughes.net Sunday April 22, 2012 at 4:48 AM
Pricilla and Jeanne....I cannot remember a time when your parents, and you, were not a part of my life. I learned so much from your Dad and there was always love. Ever since I was a little girl, he told me that he was my protector...and he was. I know you'll understand that. I have always said that every little girl in the world should be lucky enough to have had a Dad like yours. I loved your parents as if they were my own. It's sad that they are both, now, gone. I am sorry for your loss.

Carl and Christine (Anderson)Baker Saturday April 21, 2012 at 11:12 AM
We have fond memories of Carl at the Bradley reunions. Our sincere condolences to the entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Judge David Hoort Friday April 20, 2012 at 9:06 PM
I will always appreciate Carl and Donna; their thoughtfulness, kindness and words of wisdom to Cathy and me.

Beth and Jim Woudenberg Friday April 20, 2012 at 4:45 PM
Condolances to the entire Paepke family. Donna are Carl were both wonderful and caring people who gave tirelessly to the community. Carls public service was EXEMPLARY, from military, township and as county commissioner. Some very big shoes are empty today. He will be missed by all who knew and admired him. Rest in Peace!

JACK AND KATHY GORDON Friday April 20, 2012 at 1:59 PM
PRISCILLA SURE AM SORRY TO HERE OF YOUR DAD'S PASSING . YOU SURE HAD GREAT FOLKS

Bruce Du Hamel bbduhamel@charter.net Friday April 20, 2012 at 1:17 PM
I remember Carl as a dedicated public servant. His commitment to the health department was commendable. It's a blessing that Carl and Donna have been reunited.

Laurie Simkins(Call) Friday April 20, 2012 at 12:07 PM
Uncle Carl & Aunt Donna were very special to our family growing up and visiting the farm, hanging out with Pricilla and Jeannie, riding the mule and shucking corn in the siloh. They will be greatly missed and remembered fondly! His great-niece Laurie Simkins (Call)

Dennis Stewart Friday April 20, 2012 at 10:13 AM
Another Patriot-a fearless defender of his country and flag-has passed. Rest in peace, comrade.

Gladys Thompson Friday April 20, 2012 at 9:11 AM
our condolances go to all of the family of Uncle Carl. He was a favorite, for sure. He will be missed,as he was always there at all functions. Gladys a niece, Mildreds daughter

June Miller Friday April 20, 2012 at 8:51 AM
Jeanne and Priscilla and familes, Your Dad was a special person and he certainly is going to missed. My prayers are with you. Love, June

Cathy Killinger Thursday April 19, 2012 at 11:52 PM
I'm glad I had the opportunity of knowing Carl. We'll miss him.

Ron Porter Thursday April 19, 2012 at 10:03 PM
Jeanne & family, Sorry to hear of your loss! He will be greatly missed each Sunday. Also any time someone needs help he was always ready to help where he could. Was a good friend and an awsome county commissioner!! Hugs and condolences to the family! Ron & Cheryl

Glenn and Lucy Kebler Thursday April 19, 2012 at 4:51 PM
Dear Paepke family, We are so sorry to learn of Carl's passing. Glenn has served with Carl on various committees and boards, and has enjoyed his frienship very much over the years. Carl and Donna attended our wedding reception in 2007, and when Lucy lost her son in 2008, Carl held her hand and gave her words of comfort. She will never, ever forget his kindness in those dark days. We have lost a wonderful man. Our thoughts are with you all. May God bless you. Glenn and Lucy Kebler Six Lakes, Michigan

Amy Rowland Thursday April 19, 2012 at 2:34 PM
Jeanne & Steve- I was sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. You are in my thoughts.

Paul & Pat Frisbey Thursday April 19, 2012 at 2:22 PM
Uncle Carl & Aunt Donna were especially dear to us over the many, many years, Paul for his 75 years and Patricia for 59 years that theyd been in our lives. We visited with them and stayed at their home and heard many family stories many times with both of them being their loving, kind, happy-go-lucky selves. Paul used to go by train when he was just 6 years old through age 16 (all by himself) from Petoskey, MI, to Sand Lake, MI, to stay with Grandma (Dann) Paepke for the month of July in the summer to spend time with Uncle Carl, Aunt Donna, Uncle Dan Paepke, and later Aunt Mildred Paepke, Uncle George, Aunt Beulah and Uncle Frederick Paepke. Uncle Carl & Aunt Donna also made many trips up north to see our mother, Mildred Frisbey, and participated in our lifetime family events. What a treat! We loved them all and Uncle Carl & Aunt Donna will be greatly missed as our very special family persons. Paul & Pat Frisbey

Carolyn Hansen Thursday April 19, 2012 at 1:14 PM
Priscilla- Jeanne and Families- We are sorry to hear of your fathers passing. We are thinking of you all at this sad time. Carolyn and Marcus Hansen

Ed and Gail Prentice Thursday April 19, 2012 at 11:04 AM
Our deepest sympathies to the family. He led a long and honorable life of service and friendship to many.

JoAnne Vukin Thursday April 19, 2012 at 9:10 AM
My deepest sympathy to the family. I have appreciated Carl's dedication to the Pierson Twp residents. He faithfully attended many of the monthly board meetings and the annual meetings at the township. He was always keeping the township informed of what was going on in Stanton. My office here at the county has always appreciated his personal touch. He stopped in many times to see how everything was going and what he could do for us here in the County Treasurer's office. He will be greatly missed!

Leslie Kinnee Thursday April 19, 2012 at 8:41 AM
I was deeply saddened to hear of Carl's passing. He was dedicated to the community, and just an all-around caring person. I will miss our chats @ the office, especially @ Christmas when he'd make his rounds @ the health department, passing out candy canes. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Cindy Partlo Thursday April 19, 2012 at 8:29 AM
Carl left a lasting impact on Montcalm County and me personally. I cherish his friendship to me and my family. Thank you for your service to our country, Montcalm County, and the Board of Health. I will really miss you.

Jaye Christensen Thursday April 19, 2012 at 8:16 AM
My condolences to the family. I didn't know Carl very well, but I will remember him as the Commissioner who always came around to talk to the employees and brought us candy canes at Christmas with his wife.

Connie Turnbull Thursday April 19, 2012 at 8:10 AM
I have found memories of both your parents coming to the Court Complex handing out candycanes at Christmas. He was the only Commissioner who came to the complex and asked the "little people" what needed to be changed. He truly cared about Montcalm County and it's employees. He will be greatly missed but set a wonderful example for those of us left behind. God bless him and your mother.

Angie Felton Thursday April 19, 2012 at 8:05 AM
Thoughts and prayers to Carl's Family. He was a tremendous advocate as a commissioner and always a pleasure to talk with. He will be missed.

Mark Bellinger Thursday April 19, 2012 at 8:01 AM
Carl was a fair and approachable person. The BOC lost a good member. He will be hard to replace and missed by all!

Jerry McCoy Wednesday April 18, 2012 at 7:51 PM
My deepest condolences to Carl's family, friends and colleagues. I always appreciated Carl's interest in and commitment to his community and Montcalm County. I will miss him. A lot.

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