Iris M. Paepke, 94, Burlington, died peacefully Oct. 7, 2012, at Pine Brook Pointe. She was born Oct. 15, 1917, to the late Robert and Louise (Kurzrok) Hoff in Stoneham, Colo. Her early life was spent in Stoneham, where she attended and graduated from Stoneham High School.
On July 17, 1937, she married the late Arnold Paepke in Burlington. They were lifelong residents of Burlington. She worked as a bookkeeper her whole life. She had worked three years at Wee Moderns then 18 years at Burlington Wholesale Foods before retiring in 1986. She was committed and very dedicated to her community and church. She was a very active member of Cross Lutheran Church, involved in Rachel Circle, the Christian Education Dept., the quilt making group, and other church committees. She exemplified the meaning of volunteering. She generously gave her time to Love Inc., The Community Center, the Franciscan Missions, and the Meals on Wheels. In 1998 she created and funded ‘The Iris Paepke Foundation” to provide emergency loans to people in distress.
She received many awards for her service to the community including The Jaycees Distinguished Service Award in 1986, VFW Outstanding Citizen Award for 1989, and Lifetime Volunteerism Award given by Love Inc. in 1997. She was recognized for her 60 years of community service as Citizen of the Year in 1997, awarded by the Burlington Masonic Lodge #28.
Survivors include her son, Thomas Paepke, Naples, Fla.; sister-in-law, Hazel Paepke, Burlington; special friends Dennis Pennefeather family, Dottie Uhlenhake; nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives and friends.
She was further preceded in death by five sisters and four brothers.
Visitation is Thursday, Oct. 11, from 4 p.m., until time of services at 7 p.m., at Cross Lutheran Church, Burlington. The Rev Carolyn Sellers will officiate. Burial is Friday, Oct. 12, at 9 a.m., at Burlington Cemetery. Schuette-Daniels Family Funeral Home, Burlington, is serving the family.
Memorials may be made out to, Cross Lutheran Church, Love Inc. or to the Transitional Living Center.
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