Bernice Pape

Bernice Louise Kramer Pape, 90, of Brenham, died Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at Trinity Care Center. Mrs. Pape was born August 12, 1917, in the Berlin community of Washington County to Fred and Alma Westerfeld Kramer. She was baptized October 14, 1917 at Eben Ezer Lutheran Church in Berlin by Pastor J. Mgebroff and confirmed March 20, 1932, at Zion Lutheran Church of Zionsville by Pastor Carl Mueller. She attended Harrisburg School. Bernice was married to Walter Carl Pape on February 14, 1940 at Eben Ezer Lutheran Church at Berlin by Pastor Utesch. They made their home in the Rocky Hill community near Brenham until 1999, when their health started failing and they purchased a home in Brenham. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill and prior to her failing health was active in Ladies Aid, Share Group, and the Prairie Hill-Rocky Hill Fire Department Auxiliary. Mrs. Pape worked at various stores in Brenham including the gift department at Mickan Ace Hardware from which she retired after 26 years. She is remembered by many for the beautiful packages with the handmade roses which she wrapped for many customers. Flowers and gardening were her passion and even though she struggled with macular degeneration for many years, her determination and strong faith helped her to endure her disability. She was an excellent cook and always enjoyed being with her family and friends. Bernice and her husband, Walter, enjoyed dancing and playing cards. Bernice is survived by daughters Carolyn Sue Maass and husband Elroy; Doris Faye Draehn and husband Norman; son Larry Wayne Pape and wife, Ann. She is also survived by the following grandchildren: Connie Merten and husband, Jerry; Dayna Schroeder and husband, Ross; Michael Draehn and wife Brenda; Stephen Draehn and wife Stacie; Amy Fritsch and husband Brad; Ryan Pape and special friend, Megan Culbreth; Angie Hodde and husband, Sam. Great-grandchildren include Kyle Merten and fiancé, Mindy Wehmeyer, Kory Merten, Addyson and Alldyn Schroeder, Amanda Draehn and special friend, Taylor Rybarski, Shelby and Kelsey Draehn, Cameron and Carson Draehn, and Lane, Logan and Lawson Fritsch. Other survivors include sister, Kathryn Priesmeyer and various nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Alma Westerfeld Kramer; her husband, Walter Pape; sister, Louise Werth; brothers-in-law Erwin Priesmeyer and Raymond Werth, and a great-granddaughter, Averie Ann Fritsch. The Pape family will receive visitors from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Wedesday, May 28 at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham. The funeral service for Bernice Louise Kramer Pape will be held Thursday, May 29 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill, with Pastor David Hansen officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Jerry Merten, Ross Schroeder, Michael Draehn, Stephen Draehn, Ryan Pape, Brad Fritsch, Sam Hodde and Kyle Merten. All other grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the staff of Trinity Care Center will be considered honorary pallbearers. Those who wish may give memorials to St. John Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill, Hospice of Brenham, or the charity of your choice. The Pape family wishes to give special thanks to Trinity Care Center for the care, love and compassion given to Mrs. Pape since October 2004, and to Hospice of Brenham for their special care and comfort. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel at 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, Texas. To view the obituary online or to post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.