Obituary of Gene Joseph Pape

Gene J. Pape, 61, of Dyersville, Iowa died Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque, Iowa. Friends may call from 2 - 7 p.m. Friday, March 30, 2012, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where a memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Inurnment will be at St. Charles Cemetery, Cassville, Wisconsin. Gene was born February 28, 1951, the son of Paul and Eileen (Winner) Pape. He married Linda Bildstein on November 21, 1973 in Dyersville, Iowa. Gene was an antique collector and trader. They enjoyed traveling to many auctions. Along with his father, he was a commercial fisherman on the Mississippi River near Waupeton, IA. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman, handy around cars, a gunsmith and NRA member. Gene loved music and spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren. He was so happy to have been able to stay at home caring for his son, Jacob. He and Linda were support group leaders for parents of children with disabilities. He was a member and past president of the Worthington Sportsmens Club. Gene and Linda were Bingo Chairpeople and he was a "CCD Bouncer". Survivors include his wife, Linda, 4 children: Elisha (Allan) Greve, Carrie (Scott) Thielen, Jacob Pape (special friend, Amy Olberding) and Paul (Jessica) Pape all of Dyersville, 8 grandchildren: Isaac, Isabelle, Anna, Olivia and Evelyn Greve, Benjamin Thielen, Hayleigh Ries, Westin Pape; a sister, Margie Pape of Epworth, mother-in-law, Norma Bildstein, brothers and sisters-in-laws: Dan Bildstein, Dianne Hess, Marcia (Ron) Leuchs, Connie (Terry) Gogel, Mary Lou (Bill) McMahon, Barb Moyer, Chuck (Carol) Bildstein, Duane (Laura) Bildstein, Laura (John) Meyer, Cate (Kevin) McCabe and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Gary Pape, sister and brother-in-law, Mary Joan (Ambrose "Pete") Lammers, father-in-law, Cletus Bildstein and brothers-in-law: Patrick Hess and Scott Moyer.