Lawrence Fredrick Papenfuss

Lawrence Fredrick Papenfuss, 84 of rural Nodine, Mn died unexpectedly on Sunday May 19th,2024 peacefully at his home. He was born March 10th,1940 to Arthur & Harriet (Unnasch) Papenfuss.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Nodine. He married Winnie Elaine (Henderson)Papenfuss on December 10th,1960 at St John’s Ev Lutheran Church in Nodine, Mn. They first lived in Dakota, Mn and then moved to Houston Mn.  In 1973 he moved his family back to the ridge where he grew up. He purchased his farm where he spent the rest of his years.

Lawrence loved playing baseball.  He was a pitcher and played for Winona Senior High and went on to play in the County league for Dakota Mn and was a pick- up for multiple teams for tournaments. He talked fondly about his days playing ball. He could have tried out professionally and always claimed he was too short and just didn’t have a fast ball.

He was employed at Peerless Chain in Winona, Mn for many years.  He was an expert in the tool & die field and was proud to have designed various machines during his career.

He grew up on a farm and throughout his life he chose to raise animals. Sheep, pigs, chickens, cows and even a goat. During that time, he also loved to collect cars for parts.  His passion for collecting led him to start the Papenfuss Salvage business. He could sell parts while he talked to people. Talking was one of his favorite things to do. To say he was a very social person would be an understatement. He would never miss an opportunity to talk or joke around with anyone he met.

He also loved to hunt.  He hunted with his family, and it was his joy.  He was so proud of his 12- point buck he had mounted.  His wife Winnie was also a big hunter, and she held the prize for the biggest buck in the family.  She had a 19 - point buck that was a Boone & Crocket record holder. He took the teasing on having the “small” deer quite well.  He would just grin with that sheepish grin of his.

Lawrence was known by many and inherited many nicknames through the years.  He was known as Little Beaver as a kid and added Super, Monkey, King Louie, Lou Man and Dirt Face just to name a few.  He was also known for his trademark request when he would meet you. “Put-er in the vice”.  He would offer up a hand- shake with a warning attached.  He had a grip so strong he could crush your hand. At 84 he was still crushing it with the vice.

He spent his days enjoying time with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed the time he had with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed his outdoor cats and their fancy new houses. He did his daily chores and fed his 3 chickens and gathered their eggs.  His favorite companion was his dog, Ollie. He was always by his side.

Words cannot describe the impact Lawrence had on our lives.  He was the best son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend.  He lived his life to the fullest and always did things “his way”.

He is survived by his children.  Larry Papenfuss, Todd (Donnalee) Papenfuss, Kimberly (Denver) Anderegg His grandchildren, Matthew (Kristen) Papenfuss, Samantha (Matthew) Krage, Alexander Solum, Nickolas Solum (Fiancée Hannah Voehl), Samuel, Lucas, & Megan Anderegg. Great Grandchildren, Emerson, Hayden, Calvin, & Madelyn Papenfuss, James, Thomas & Michael Krage, Cooper Solum, Arionna Voehl. Brothers, Alton Papenfuss, Marvin (Linda) Papenfuss, Rev Charles (Kim) Papenfuss. Sister, Tina (Dennis) Gile. Brother- in -law, Norman Henderson. Sisters-in-law Rosie Henderson, Dorothy Henderson and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years Winnie Elaine (Henderson) Papenfuss. Parents Arthur and Harriet Papenfuss, brother Wayne Baldy Papenfuss, Sisters, Arlis Feehan, Darlene Patzner. Daughter-in-law Gina Papenfuss. Brothers in law, Mike Feehan, Claude Patzner, Melvin, Cecil & Wayne Henderson, Sisters in law, Patricia Papenfuss, Delores Henderson, Georgine Nagel.

Pallbearers: Matthew Papenfuss, Alexander Solum, Nickolas Solum, Christopher Frick, Matthew Krage, Andrew Steinfeldt.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday May 25th at 11:00 am at St Johns Ev Lutheran Church in Nodine, Mn. Rev John Unnasch will officiate. Burial will follow in St Johns Ev Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home ,111 South Oak St. La Crescent, Mn on Friday May 24th from 4:00 until 8:00pm and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service.