Ronald A Pape

Ronald A. Pape, age 95, passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 20, 2025. He was born on August 23, 1930, in St. James, Minnesota, to the late Waldemar Pape and Elizabeth (Binger) Pape.

Ronald was united in marriage to Lois Mae Miller on July 20, 1952, sharing 73 years of love and adventure. A graduate of Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota, Ronald earned his master's degree in education from the University of Virginia.

Teaching was not merely his profession—it was his calling and his legacy. He devoted 43 years to shaping young minds, serving as a high school teacher, band and choir director, and Bible study instructor. His career took him from Omaha, Nebraska, then to St. Croix Lutheran High School in Minnesota, and finally to Michigan in 1971, where he taught at Michigan Lutheran High School.
From a musical family, Ronald was an accomplished organist and pianist, bringing his own passion to his family’s traditions. Whether leading hymn singing at family reunions or singing in the choir at Trinity Lutheran Church, his musical gifts enriched every gathering.

He was a faithful and active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he worshiped, served, and led Bible study classes for many years, building deep friendships through faith and service. Ronald was always a teacher, not just in the classroom. His philosophy of critical-thinking and resourcefulness defined his approach to parenting and teaching: he didn’t just tell his daughters or students about the Grand Canyon, he guided them through it, had them study it, engage with it.

Even into his 80s, Ronald lived an active life: playing tennis competitively, tending his own yard, and making daily summertime trips to the beach with Lois and the grandchildren.
While raising their daughters Ronald and Lois took yearly trips exploring the country in their camper. Camping and sailing were frequent family favorite summertime activities. Ronald is survived by his wife, Lois; his daughters, Juliann (Gary Young) Swingler and Jean (Richard) Schroeder; his grandchildren, Michael Swingler, Daniel Lee Swingler, Sarah Stadtherr, and Jason Schroeder; and his great-grandchildren, Tegan and Evy Stadtherr, Kendyl and Olivia Tschida, and Elliot and Makenna Schroeder. He is also survived by his sisters, Eunice Kramer and Audrae Stege, and his brothers, Gordon Pape and Gerald Pape. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 613 Court St., St. Joseph, MI. Friends may visit with the family beginning one hour prior to the service. Palmer Funeral Home – Hoven Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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