Arnold Paepke

(Rockford) Mr. Arnold Henry Paepke, age 95, passed away on Wednesday, September 12, 2007. Arnold was born on July 16, 1912, in Pierson, MI, to Frank and Bertha (Beduhn) Paepke. He has been a long-time resident of Rockford. In 1929, Arnold graduated from Rockford High School where he achieved a 3-sport letter in football, basketball, and baseball. He was a national honor student, and in 1999 he was inducted into the RHS Sports Hall of Fame. Arnold was employed at WWW for 49 and a half years with his work interrupted by military service in WWII. He was in Germany when the war ended, and stayed to serve in the Army of Occupation. In 1946, Arnold returned to WWW, retiring in 1979 as an internal auditor. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, bowling, and working around the house. He was a charter member of the Rockford Lions Club, and a member of the American Legion Post #102 in Rockford. Arnold is survived by his wife, Vera (Klepser) of Rockford; daughters, Gail (Paul) DesNoyers, and Joan Paepke of Big Rapids; grandchildren, Todd, Brad (Jessica), and Ross DesNoyers; special niece, Patricia Frye of Rockford; and other nieces and nephews. The service for Arnold will be Monday, at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Jon Fleming of the United Church of Big Rapids officiating. Interment in Blythefield Memory Gardens. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Rockford Lions Club. Friends may meet with Arnold's family on Sunday, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home and from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com