Mary L. Paepke

Mary Louise Paepke, age 86, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, in Saint Cloud, Minnesota.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring of 2026. See Benson Funeral Home website for updates on the service information.
Mary was born on September 28, 1939, to Edward and Marie McCabe, in Appleton, WI.
Mary was united in marriage to Frederick Paepke on February 7, 1959, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Menasha, WI.
Before anything else, Mary was a devoted mother, grandmother, and homemaker who always gave her best. Mary was committed to her children’s well-being, and she was a fierce advocate for them, especially when it came to her son, Mace. Mary loved her grandchildren dearly and made it her goal to make them laugh when she was around.
She had a love for flowers and gardening and was an accomplished artist and crafter. She had a talent for needlepoint and once crafted a beautiful Afghan coat. In her later years, she joined a quilting group where she made high-quality quilts. Mary was also known for her fun personality.
Traveling brought Mary and her family many treasured memories. They traveled to places like Colorado, Wisconsin Dells, Florida, California, Mexico—and especially Duluth and Chicago, where even an unexpected car breakdown became something to laugh about.
She is survived by her children, Julie (Rick) Knapp of Brooklyn Park, MN, Jayne (Robert) Merila of Nevis, MN, Michael (Melissa) Paepke of Plymouth, MN, Mace Paepke of St. Cloud, MN and Mark (Sara) Paepke of Otsego, MN; Grandchildren, Martin Knapp, John Merila, Jordan Paepke, Anna Paepke, Sophia Paepke; and great-grandson, Jace Paepke.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Frederick Paepke.
A very special thank you to the entire team at Talamore Senior Living.