Lee Charles Pape
  • Born on: November 4, 1934
  • Departed on: September 19, 2024
  • Resided in: West Union, IA

Lee Charles Pape

Lee Charles Pape, 89, of West Union, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2024.  Lee was born on November 4, 1934, to F.W. and Hildegard Pape.  He grew up on a farm north of West Union, Iowa.  Lee loved his humble beginnings, always telling stories such as his childhood dog named Dog, and the primitive accommodations of his home.  He said “you can go anywhere when you start from nowhere”, and Lee had many adventures in his life.  

Lee graduated from West Union High School in 1952, and he was off from there.  

As a young man, Lee met Rhonda Donaldson, and they immediately fell in love.  Lee said that everything he had was hers.  They married March 2, 1958, and were true life partners.  

Lee and Rhonda had three children: Penni Leigh (Greg) Natvig of Tucson, Arizona; Patti Lynn (Keith Hudon) Pape of St. Charles, Illinois; and Peggi Lisa Pape of West Union, Iowa.  He has three grandchildren: Justin Natvig, Andrea Romie, and Cari Strom.  Lee has six great grandchildren: Kenna Romie, Stella Natvig, Holly Romie, Oliver Natvig, John Romie, and Hazel Natvig. 

Lee is also survived by his sisters Vidys Rose and Phyllis Holmstrom; and brother Arlo Pape.  He was preceded in death by his wife Rhonda; his parents, F.W. and Hildegard Pape; brothers Victor Pape, Jim Pape, and Harry Pape; and sisters Eileen Lowry and Betty Lou Rose.  

Lee and Rhonda loved to have fun and enjoyed time with friends and family, golf, cards, eating out, laughing, and travel.  One of their travel stops was Arizona, which ended being their home for over 20 years.

Lee had a varied and successful working career that included construction, farming, petroleum sales, banking, agricultural sales, commodities brokering, real estate sales, promotional item sales, and financial management.  Lee had a long career at Charles Schwab, retiring as the oldest employee in the company.  Lee enjoyed work, worked hard, and especially liked interactions with customers and co-workers.

Never wanting to be tied down, Lee owned 30 different properties over the years, lived in 50 different residences, owned 52 different cars, as well as owning several small businesses.

A Celebration of Life open house will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 1:00 PM, at Bethel Presbyterian Church, 208 N Vine St., West Union, Iowa.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Palmer Memorial (Hospital) Foundation, West Union, Iowa; or the Good Samaritan Society Foundation, West Union, Iowa.
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