Winnifred Papenfuss

winnifred papenfuss
“Winnie” Papenfuss, age 100, passed away on April 17, 2016 at Eventide Lutheran Home in Moorhead, MN. She was born on April 25, 1915 to Roy and Elsie (Parpart) Greenwood of Pickwick, MN. She attended school through the eighth grade and completed one year of business school training. As a young girl, she worked a variety of jobs as a housekeeper, picking strawberries, and doing piece work at the Winona Knitting Mills. She met Howard Papenfuss at a “kittenball” game and they were married on April 22, 1939. They resided in La Crescent, MN where Howard worked as a bulk oil agent for Standard Oil and Winnie helped by taking delivery orders and with the bookkeeping. She is survived by three sons; Richard “Dick” (Mary) Santa Fe, NM, Lyle “Slats” (Lise) Lake City, MN and Larry (Dawn) Moorhead, MN, a sister, Ruth Harvey, La Crosse, WI, as well as, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. At a young age Winnie taught herself to play piano and would enjoy music for the rest of her life. She played piano for barn dances and organ for her church in Pickwick. She and Howard were charter members of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Crescent where she served as organist, was a member of the Ladies Aid, and sang in the choir. She continued to enjoy playing the piano until just weeks before her death. Winnie was a gardener, growing vegetables for freezing and canning – pickles, tomatoes, sauerkraut, pears and strawberry jam. She was an excellent cook – baking homemade breads, making soups, hot dishes, and apple pies that won awards at the annual apple festival. An avid craft person, her nights were spent knitting, crocheting, cross stitching, and sewing. She loved fishing, bowling, and travelling, but most of all -- playing cards. She played cards every chance she had with friends, relatives, and grandchildren -- 500, canasta, euchre, spades, and bridge, and when no one was around – solitaire. Winnie seldom missed a baseball game of any of her three sons and there were a lot of them – Little League, Legion, High School, College and Town Team! She was always our biggest fan. Winnie was active in her community, volunteering at the school, serving on the legion auxiliary (she was a Gold Star Sister), delivering Meals on Wheels, and as an election volunteer. When Howard passed away in 1994, she moved into a townhouse in La Crescent where she lived until 2011 when she moved to Eventide Lutheran Home in Moorhead. Among the factors that contributed to her longevity was an attitude of contentment and gratitude which helped her adapt to her circumstances even as she became less independent. Shortly before she died she commented, “I’ve been a lucky girl to have had such a good life”. An evening prayer service will be held in her memory at St. John Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND. on Tuesday, April 26th at 7 pm. Friends may call prior to the service beginning at 5:30 pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 7th at 11 am. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Crescent, MN. Friends may call prior to the service beginning at 10 am.

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  1. We are so sorry to hear of your Mom’s death. Sounds like she lived a long, full life! Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers.

  2. Larry and family, it saddens me to see the passing of your mother, what an inspiration she was to everyone she met. I have great memories of her and the rest of your family living on ELM Street in LaCrescent, many good times, her smile and she was always a breath of fresh air to all and upbeat. My sympathy to you and your family, take care.

  3. My deepest sympathy to the Papenfuss family. So sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  4. Winnie was just a jewel of a fantastic woman. She was my moms (Lucille Greenwood) best friend.
    She even sent her flowers just because. Now the two families ( the Greenwood’s and Papenfuss’s) can play cards together forever!

  5. Dick,
    You will probably not remember me – I was a grad student at UW-L ages ago and did relish your discussions in health ed.
    Karen and I send of condolences upon the death of your mom. Certainly, 100 years is an age where much has been enjoyed and experienced.
    You and your family have so many good memories of a mother sharing these experiences with you.
    Ble
    sings

    Wes

  6. Larry, Dawn and family,
    I”m so sorry for your loss – but what a wonderful testament to her life and the beautiful family she and your father raised! Thankful I had the opportunity to meet her. Sending condolences and hugs to all of you!
    Judy Ary

  7. Dear Papenfuss family,

    I’m so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I’m so pleased to have met Winnie during one of my visits to see Larry. What a gem! Thinking of all of you. Joe Quatrochi

  8. Dick, Lyle and Larry and families.
    So sorry to hear of your moms passing. We have so many fond memories of the family celebrations reunions etc. Truly a great lady.

  9. Boys and I just watched this beautiful tribute to Winnie. What an incredible woman! Winnie will always hold a special place in our hearts. Although she is gone, Winnie will be remembered, live on in our memories, and be a spirit presence when we take pontoon rides around the lake, play cards, make flatbread and much, much more! Winnie knew how to live life…we are forever grateful for the parts we were able to share with her. May peace be with all of you! Thank you, Winnie, for touching our hearts and helping us to always smile when in your presence! You will be missed but never forgotten! You were and are loved!

  10. Larry, Dawn, and family, What can you say about a woman who was so accomplished, friendly, smiley and lived to be 100 years old? Her obituary made me wish I had known her better and for longer. What a marvelous woman, mother and grandmother. She was still a beautiful woman and so fashionable. So sorry for your loss.


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