John Papenfuss

Papenfuss, John “Jack” F.

John “Jack” F. Papenfuss, (aka Big Papa and Papa Fuss) 82, of La Crosse, Wis., died Thursday December 4, 2014, at Hillview Health Care Center, La Crosse, Wis. He was born in La Crosse on January 8, 1932, to John and Elinor (Spettel) Papenfuss. Jack graduated in 1949, from Aquinas High School and served in the army from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War.

He married Jeanne Hackner on September 5, 1953, whom preceded him in death on April 27, 2006. Jack was an avid stamp collector, spent many enjoyable moments on the river with his family and friends, and was known for his distinctive laugh, and loved Parades. Jack took over the family business of Papenfuss Electric which was the first electrical contracting business in the area when it was opened.

Jack was extremely proud of his German heritage and was able to fulfill his dream of visiting both his and his wife’s relatives in Germany and Austria.

He was a Former member of Elks, Catholic Sokols and Rotary East. He also served on the board of directors of the Wisconsin Chapter of National Electrical Contractors Association for 20 years. While on the Board of Directors he served as president of the Chapter for three years. Jack was also a member of the Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post #52 and a Past Commander.

Jack is survived by his three children; Janet Papenfuss of La Crosse, Wis., Kurt (Paula) Papenfuss of La Crosse, Wis., and Jane Martinez of Grapevine, Texas. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren; Lindsey, Nicholas, James, Laura and Demi, and three Great-grandchildren; Aydin, Kashtin, and Kendelyn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jeanne, Brother Robert and Sisters Ruth Putsch, Doris Schmitt, and Rita Londkoski.

Memorials are preferred to the Aquinas Catholic Schools.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday December 9, 2014, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 13^th Street, La Crosse, WI. Rev. Rick Roberts will officiate with burial to be held with military rites by the Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52, in Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse, Wis. Family and friends may call from 4 to 7:00 PM on Monday December 8, 2014, at Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Homes, 1501 West Ave. So., La Crosse, WI, and From 9:30 AM until the time of Mass on Tuesday at Church.