Thomas J. Papes

Thomas J. Papes

November 21, 1932 - May 21, 2019

Thomas J. Papes, age 86, of Goshen IN, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at Trail Creek Place in Michigan City IN surrounded by family.

Born in Cleveland OH, Tom was the eldest son of the late John Thomas and Theresa Rose (Zakrajsek) Papes. A graduate of East High, he continued his studies earning a B.S. in Chemistry (1954) and an M.B.A (1963) from Case Western Reserve University .

Tom served in the US Army Security Agency, in Scheyern W. Germany from 1954-1956. Fluent in German, an excellent accordion player and an avid photographer, he immersed himself in local culture and traveling. His engaging personality lead to many friendships and won him the heart of Erika M. Rademacher. Tom and Erika were wed at Scheyern Abby in late 1956, and returned to the USA after the new year.

Tom settled in Goshen IN in 1976. In 1995 Tom retired as Marketing Manager of Goshen Rubber after 38 years in the rubber industry, including 4 cross country moves. But, being a man driven by work, he purchased a Dairy Queen, Elkhart IN, retiring in 2015.

Family was Tom's focus. His children, Joyce Papes (James McBain ) of Racine WI, John Papes (Bambi Kellogg) of Michigan City IN and Edmund Papes (Wendy McCormick) of St. Louis MO, as well as a nephew, 7 grandchildren and a great grandson will sorely miss for his sage advice, witty one liners and constant encouragement to travel and grow. We will be forever thankful of the skills, knowledge and love he has shared with us.

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to the Alzheimer's Association (https://alz.org) in his honor.

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