Ottmar "Pappy" Papez, 87, of West Bend, died Monday, July 11, 2005 at the Samaritan Health Center in West Bend.
He was born on May 1, 1918 in Chicago and was adopted by the late Anton and Angeline Papez. He was united in marriage to Marie Wickert on June 19, 1937 at St. John's United Church of Christ in Slinger. After their marriage the couple lived in Hartford. Pappy worked at International Stamping / Midas in Hartford for 43 years until retiring in 1982. The couple moved to West Bend in 1983. Marie passed away on June 17, 2004.
Pappy began playing the concertina at the age of 16. Being self-taught, he learned to play by ear, and he continued to play up until last year. He was known for playing with his band, "Pappy's Old Timers" and he also played solo as "Pappy and his Concertina."
He was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in West Bend and the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #1398.
He is survived by two children, Arlene (Charles) Roemer and Tom (Rosemarie) Papez, both of West Bend; a granddaughter, Brenda (Brad) Cirricione of Oshkosh; two great-grandchildren, Nicholas Cirricione and Chandler Cirricione, both of Oshkosh; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Myrhum - Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, West Bend. Rev. James Eckblad of Immanuel United Church of Christ will officiate and burial will be in Washington County Memorial Park, West Bend, on Friday at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of services.
Memorials to the American Heart Association or the Washington County Humane Society are appreciated.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. Hammer and his staff, the staff of St. Joseph's Community Hospital and Sub-Acute Unit, Riverway Place, and the Samaritan Health Center.