Frank Edwin Papke

Frank Edwin Papke was born on June 23, 1941, in Gaylord, Minnesota. He was the son of Frebert and Florence (Olson) Papke. Frank was baptized as an infant on July 6, 1941, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on May 22, 1955, both at First Lutheran Church in Winthrop, Minnesota. Frank received his education in Winthrop and was a graduate of the Winthrop High School Class of 1959. He furthered his education by attending Mankato State University in Mankato, Minnesota, for 2 years. Frank entered active military service in the United States Army on January 15, 1964, and served his country during the Vietnam era. He received an Honorable Discharge on January 14, 1966. On April 11, 1970, Frank was united in marriage to Sharon Ehlers at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Helen Township, Minnesota. They made their home in Glencoe, Minnesota. Frank and Sharon were blessed with three children, Teresa, Jeff and Eric and one step son, Mark. They shared over 43 years of marriage. Frank held employment at Green Giant in Glencoe for 31 years as a foreman, retiring in 1996. He was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Helen Township, serving as an elder and secretary for the church council. Frank was also a member of the Jesus Cares Ministry. He was a member of the Glencoe American Legion Post #95. Frank enjoyed fishing, playing cards and naps with his dog, Abby, which was the "light of his life". He also enjoyed sitting outside and visiting with friends and family. Frank loved his family, especially those grandchildren. Frank passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2013, at his home in Glencoe, Minnesota, at the age of 72 years and 2 days. Blessed be his memory. Frank is survived by his: Wife, Sharon Papke of Glencoe, MN; Children, Teresa Ross and her husband, John, of Glencoe, MN, Jeff Papke of Glencoe, MN, Eric Papke and his wife, Jenny, of Hutchinson, MN; Step Son, Mark Buchkosky and his wife, Suzie, of St. Louis Park, MN; 8 Grandchildren, Christopher, Stephanie, Grace, Sophia, Caitlin, Mikayla, Nick, Rebecca; Brothers-In-Law & Sisters-In-Law, Harold Klement of Gibbon, MN, Pearl Hicks and her husband, Noah, of Clarksville, TN, Cecelia Aikala and her husband, Robert, of Marquette, MI, Jerome Ehlers and his wife, Kathy, of Glencoe, MN; Special Companion, Abby, his dog; Nieces, Nephews, Other relatives and many friends. Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Frebert and Florence Papke; Father-In-Law & Mother-In-Law, Elford and Mabel Ehlers; Brother, Frederick Papke; Sisters, Gloria Klement, Helen Swenstad; Sisters-In-Law, Aurelia Larson and her husband, Stan, Janet Bruesehoff.