Raymond DePaepe

1922 - 2013

RAYMOND HOWARD DEPAEPE, 90 ST. CLOUD, Minn. - Raymond Howard DePaepe, 90, son of Henry and Maude (Ellis) DePaepe, born Dec. 23, 1922, in Chicago, IL, peacefully passed away on May 21, 2013, in St. Cloud, MN. Ray was a sergeant, Company "H" 7th Infantry during WWII, he bravely led his fellow soldiers across Europe. Ray was wounded in Germany, flown to the U.S.A. and hospitalized for 2 years as he recovered from his injuries. Ray was awarded 2 Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star, and the Croix de guerre for his service. Ray married Margaret O'Malley in 1949 in Chicago, IL. Ray worked as a mechanic for Automatique and Rockford Vending in Chicago/Rockford, IL. Ray spent summers "Up North" fishing and roaming the barrens in Northern Wisconsin with his wife and 5 children. Ray was known for his generosity to others and his love of Cajun music. Ray had a natural gift for mechanics. He enjoyed baking Italian cookies and giving them to family and friends. Ray enjoyed fishing with a few special people: lifelong friend, the late, Oscar Calanca, Al Adams, and nephew, James DePaepe. Ray was predeceased by wife, Margaret; daughter, Robin Folsom; and son in-law, Tony Folsom. We remember them today as well. Survived by brother, Henry Jr.; daughters, Paris DePaepe (MO), April Carlson (MN); son in-law, John (MN); sons, Charles DePaepe (WI), Miles DePaepe (IL); grandchildren, Jennifer Folsom, Bryce Folsom; Vail, Amber, Jordan, and Ashley Carlson. A heart-felt thank you to all the nurses and staff at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud, MN, the care and kindness Ray received at the VA was amazing. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Wisconsin. Memorial donations: Northland College: The Loon Watch Project or Disabled American Veterans.