Michael J. Pappenfus

Michael J. Pappenfus, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 12, 2015. He was born in Gilman, Minnesota to Michael Sr. and Veronica (Smuda) Pappenfus. Michael was drafted during the Korean war and served in the Army fighting communism on the periphery in Africa. Due to the untimely death of his first wife, Mary Lou, he was honorably discharged in order to care for his infant daughter Linda. He later married MaryAnn and settled on his family farm outside of Gilman. Michael also worked in construction and as an ironworker. He and his wife became proprietors of an antiques business in Gilman and a retail furniture store in Foley. Due to health issues, the family relocated to Mesa, Arizona in 1985, where he retired.

Michael is survived by his children: Dianne Pappenfus of Mesa, AZ, Larry Pappenfus of Mesa, AZ, Barbara Berczyk of St. Cloud, MN, and Jody Pappenfus of Leavenworth, KS. Also left to honor his memory are his grandchildren; Brandon, Reanna, James, and Michael Berczyk; and his siblings Raymond Pappenfus and Laverne Sharp; and son-in-law JP Martin. He was preceded in death by wife Mary Lou, wife MaryAnn, daughter Linda Martin, and brothers Peter and Joseph Pappenfus. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 23, 10:00 a.m. followed by a prayer service at 11:00 a.m. in the Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel, 400 S. Power Road, Mesa, AZ. 85206. Graveside Services with military honors will begin at noon.