Anderson Funeral Home
Homeserving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222
Everett Jon Papke
Everett Jon Papke
May 31, 1937 – August 7, 2026
On Friday, August 7, Everett decided his forever home was made ready for him. He passed away at home after a courageous fight with aggressive cancer.
Everett Jon Papke was born the fourth child to Opal Irene (Dillon) and Arthur Maxwell Papke on May 31, 1937, at Krohn Hospital in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. He was dedicated to God in Holy Baptism June 17, 1937, and confirmed April 2, 1950, in the Methodist church in Fairchild, Wisconsin.
Everett spent eighteen years of life attending school in Fairchild, Wisconsin and graduated high school with the class of 1955. As a youth, Everett was involved with Boy Scouts, earning his Eagle Scout Badge and the privilege of attending the 1955 Jamboree in California. He delivered the “Grit” paper with his horse “Silver” come rain or shine.
He had amazing musical talent, playing the tenor sax, sang with “The Three Teens” and had a dance band. And, at one time, was a member of the Eau Claire Male Chorus.
He volunteered for the Army in 1956 and served with a rank of SP4 until 1958 in Okinawa, Japan. While stationed there he trained to use a 75MM Skysweeper. During a leave on June 2, 1957, he married a classmate, Lois Jean Krienke.
He began an apprenticeship at Johnson Printing, Inc in Eau Claire, Wisconsin in 1955, where he piled paper for the printing presses. Upon his return from the army in 1958, Everett worked through his apprentices as a plate maker and color cameraman where he received his accreditation as a journeyman color cameraman. In 1977 Johnson Printing, Inc, then owned by National Presto, abruptly sold out to another printing company in Minneapolis. Wanting to keep the company local, Everett and a group of other employees leased and then purchased the building and what remained of the equipment in 1978, retitling the business Johnson Litho Graphics of Eau Claire, Ltd. In October 1994, Everett bought out the other investors and was sole owner, president, and CEO until his semi-retirement in October 2018. He acted as a consultant for an additional five years, with full retirement in 2023. He was always proud to have kept the company in Eau Claire with a local workforce. Everett and Lois were able to enjoy trips to Germany, Italy and Japan during the Johnson Litho Graphic years, combining business and pleasure.
After having a family, Everett went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire in 1974, graduating Cum Laude.
Everett obtained the Degree of Master Mason May 23, 1959, in the Fairchild Lodge. When the Fairchild Lodge closed, he became a member of the Buffalo River Lodge #252 F.&A.M., Mondovi, Wisconsin. He earned several certificates including Certificate of Esteem and Appreciation for Meritorious Masonic Service. He had continued his membership for over 67 years.
In 1969 the family moved south of Eau Claire, “out into the country”. With the purchase of several beef animals the family began showing beef as 4-H projects and Everett became a 4-H club leader for the project. Soon more animals were purchased and ELS Acres was founded.
Everett was preceded in death by his parents Opal and Arthur, brothers Elden (Maryann) and LeRoy (Norma), sister Arlene (Allan) Peterson and his beloved golden retrievers Rusty I and Rusty II.
He is survived by his loving wife Lois of 69 years.
Daughter Lisa, her husband Darren, and son Dyllon Vetsch.
Daughter Letecia, her husband Jeff Hadorn, son Devin, and his daughter Scarlett Hadorn-Papke. Devin’s fiancée April Hansen and their son Kolsen Hadorn-Papke. Son Damin Hadorn and his wife Elizabeth Hadorn.
Daughter Louisa, and her husband Steven Norton.
Son Lance and his daughter Alexis Papke, her husband Tyler Sygulla, and their daughter Evelyn. Son Grant Papke, his wife Hanna Kaufman, their sons Griffin and Archer.
A brother, Duane (Kathy) Papke of Iowa City. Also, many nieces, nephews and friends.
A visitation will be held at the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta, Wisconsin, Sunday, August 16 from 2PM to 5PM with a Masonic Service at 4:30PM.
The memorial service will be at Chapel Heights United Methodist Church in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Monday, August 17, with visitation starting at 10AM and service at 11AM.
Lunch will be served after the service.
A private burial will take place at a later date.
The family would like to thank Moments Hospice during this difficult time.
Memorials may be sent to America’s VetDogs, Shriners Children Hospital, or any group of choice.
Honorary Pallbearers: Darren Vetsch, Dyllon Vetsch, Jeff Hadorn, Devin Hadorn-Papke, Damin Hadorn, Steven Norton, Tyler Sygulla, Grant Papke
