Jerome Papendorf, DDS

Dr. Jerome “Jerry” Papendorf was peacefully called to his heavenly home, on April 11th, 2025. He was born on February 15th, 1934 in Shawano, to the late Hattie (Wrchota) and Elmer Papendorf. He grew up helping run their family convenience store and always shared stories of his pony, “Dolly.”

On November 25, 1965, he married Joan Duggan and they built a life in the “country” on a hobby horse and beef cattle farm. Together they had three children: Jennifer (Brian) Henn, Jarrod (Bridget) Papendorf, and Jamie (David) Palau. One of his favorite blessings were his grandchildren Megan Henn, Madeline (Bryan) Meyer, Jackson and Lucas Papendorf, and Lauren, Olivia, and Alec Palau, and one great-grandson, Oliver Meyer. Jerry enjoyed watching his family grow and become successful in their chosen fields. He further enjoyed being a grandfather and a great-grandfather which he considered a total blessing.

He is survived by his children and spouses, grandchildren, great-grandson, many nieces and nephews, and many life-long friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joan, one day short of their 35th Wedding Anniversary, his parents, his sister and brother-in-law, Charlotte and Bruce Kolb, sisters-in-law Ada (Jim) Roenius, Arlene (Gene) Savoie, and brother-in-law Jon (Betty) Duggan.

He attended the University of Oshkosh studying Pre-Dentistry and then matriculated to Marquette University Dental School, graduating in 1958. He started his dental practice on the south side of Appleton eventually moving to Doctor’s Park on the north side of town, practicing for over 44 years. In addition to his successful dentistry practice, he decided to later expand his skills by branching into orthodontics. He strongly believed that everyone should have excellent dental care and felt very fortunate with the long-time loyalty of his patients, whom he felt it was a privilege to serve. He was also blessed with the wonderful service of his highly regarded staff, several of whom worked with him for many years. He was also a past president of the Outagamie Dental Society.

One of his greatest passions was in his service to his faith. He served as church secretary for three years and was a church elder at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Appleton. He then joined Mount Olive Lutheran Church where he served on the board of education. His children attended Mount Olive Elementary and then Fox Valley Lutheran High School, where he served on the board of regents for seven years.

And then there were the horses. “Doc”, as he was known in the Quarter Horse world, bred, raised, showed, and sold many highly awarded Quarter Horses. The family won numerous prestigious awards including Doc placing in the Top 10 at the AQHA World Show in Amateur Western Pleasure atop “Make Me Sleepy” - a fitting name for a horse owned by a Dentist. He held a position on the board of directors for the Wisconsin Quarter Horse Association and he served as a past president of the Northeast Quarter Horse Association. “Doc” was inducted into the Wisconsin Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame in 2019.

The family would like to thank: his in-home caregivers, Kris and Janet, Moments Hospice, especially Faedra and Lisa, and Valley VNA for their brief but compassionate care.

The Christian Funeral Service for Jerry will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, located at 930 E. Florida Avenue in Appleton, with Rev. Joe Gawel and Rev. Ronald Ash officiating.  Visitation will take place on Friday, April 18 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Wichmann Tri County Chapel, located at 1592 Oneida Street in Fox Crossing, and will continue at the church on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations are being requested to be used towards Fox Valley Lutheran High School Athletic Department and the University of Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute.