Delbert Wayne Papenfuss

Delbert Wayne Papenfuss passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Norbella Memory Care Center in Shakopee, MN. Delbert was diagnosed with dementia in 2017. Over the years the stages of dementia have been slowing increasing.
Delbert was born on April 10, 1935, in Dresbach Township, MN. He grew up in Dakota, MN. (Just South of Winona 20 Minutes) He graduated from Winona High School in 1954. He then studied at Dunwoody Industrial Institute in Minneapolis and graduated in 1958 specializing in Metallurgy & Tool & Die Making.
On December 15, 1962, he married Patricia Ellen Papenfuss at St. Martin's Lutheran Church, in Winona, MN (they were married nearly 58 years).
Delbert had two nicknames "Clete" and "Pappy". Delbert was employed by Roy Swett Filling Station, White Manufacturing Company, B&D Inc., and Thermotech Precision Molding. Del started his own business called "Del's Tool & Die" in 1967, lasting over 45 years.
Del loved camping, fishing, gardening, and boating. Del (and Pat) were avid antique collectors and helped with Habitat for Humanity. Del would volunteer at church and always kept busy!
Delbert is survived by his son, Chad Papenfuss (grandchildren, Collin, Kaitlin and Sydnie) and daughter, Carin (Gerardo) Lopez (grandchild, Damian; great-grandchildren, La'Nya Janell Papenfuss-Pruitt La'Jessa Ellen Papenfuss-Pruitt). He is also survived by his sister, Rita Nilles, of El Cajon California, and by special cousins, Becky Brown, of Prior Lake, MN and Helen Moore, of Winona, MN.
To honor Delbert's request, he will be cremated, and his ashes will be spread over Lake Superior in Silver Bay, MN at a date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Shepard of the Lake Lutheran Church (www.sollc.org) or to Dunwoody College (dunwoody.edu) in honor of Delbert Wayne Papenfuss.
Visitation will be held on Friday Sept. 26, from 2-3 PM, followed by a funeral service at 3 PM, at McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, Shakopee, MN, 1220 3rd Ave, E, Shakopee, MN. Immediately after the service, the Celebration of Delbert's Life will continue at the Shakopee VFW, 1201 1st Ave. East, Shakopee, MN.
Live streaming of service will begin at 2:55 PM, on the McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/McnearneyFuneralHomeAndCremationServices
Please share condolences with the family while watching the Live Stream.