Wilmer Pap, age 73, of Luverne, Minnesota, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, while surrounded by his family in his home.
Visitation was Friday, Aug. 18, from 4-8 p.m. at the Luverne Christian Reformed Church. Funeral service was Saturday, Aug. 19, at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial followed at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne. To sign an online registry, please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.
Wilmer Ray Pap was born on Aug. 19, 1949, to Gerrit and Josephine (DeJong) Pap in Doon, Iowa, where he was raised on a farm. At a young age, his family moved to a farm west of Luverne, Minnesota. Will attended grade school first at Doon Christian School and then at Hills Christian School. He furthered his schooling in Beaver Creek and graduated from Hills-Beaver Creek High School in 1968. He then served his country by enlisting into the United States Air National Guard.
Following his education, Will began working for area farmers. A short time later, he began farming on his own.
On Sept. 8, 1972, Will married Evie Vis in Luverne. The couple made their home west of Luverne and their marriage was blessed with four children. Will loved farming the land and caring for animals. He was known for his straight rows and he took pride in farming his home quarter for 50 years.
On Sept. 15, 2007, Will married Marge Nibbelink at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. In March 2021, Will was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma, which he courageously fought. In September 2022, Will and Marge moved off their acreage and into Luverne.
On Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, Will went to be with the Lord while surrounded by his family in his home at the age of 73 years, 11 months and 27 days.
Will attended Hills Christian Reformed Church where he had served as a Deacon, and he was a current member of the Luverne Christian Reformed Church where he served as a Cadet leader and an LCSS Board member. He also served on the Southwest Christian School Board. Christian education was always very important to him.
He enjoyed playing fastpitch softball, attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events, traveling on multiple sightseeing trips, camping at Flying Goose Campground, and playing Yahtzee and Rummikub. He was a gentle and caring person who took a genuine interest in people. He also loved carrying on conversations. His spirit will continue to remain well in the hearts of many.
Will is survived by his wife, Marge; his four children, Jared (Tara) Pap of Luverne, Nicole (Stacy) Dilly of Luverne, Jonathan (Darci) Pap of Edgerton, Minnesota, and Jamie (Brigette) Pap of Luverne; 15 grandchildren, Haley (Jared) Vis, Hannah (fiancé Oliver Deelstra) Pap and Austyn Pap, Hunter (Emily) Dilly, Jayda Dilly, and Jovienne Dilly, Daynica (fiancé Riley Siebenahler) Pap, Whitney Pap, Josiah Pap, Dena Pap and Henry Pap, Morgan Pap, Makenzie Pap, Ryan Pap and Tyler Pap; two great-grandchildren, Everly Vis and Brielle Dilly; Marge’s children; sister Rosann (Case) Feikema of Luverne; sister-in-law Jean Pap of Luverne; and numerous other dear family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Josephine Dilly; his parents, Gerrit and Josephine Pap; step-mother Johanna Pap; father and mother-in-law Henry and Johanna Vis; brother Donald Pap; Marge’s infant daughter, Janna Nibbelink; her son, Joshua Nibbelink; and her granddaughter, Emma Nibbelink.