Randy J. Paape

Randy Paape, age 59 passed away at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah on Sunday, April 26, 2009. Randy was born in Green Bay on July 13, 1949, son of Walter and Mae (Bitters) Paape of Green Bay. He was a graduate of the Bellin School of Respiratory Therapy as well as McComb College in Michigan, and received his B.S. in Health Services Administration from Ottawa University in Kansas.

On June 18, 1977, Randy married the former Barbara Laabs in Green Bay. From 1970 until 1978, Randy worked as the Director of Respiratory Care Services at St. Elizabeth Hospital, from 1978 until 1995 took the role of Director of Cardiopulmonary and Neurodiagnostic Care Services at St. Elizabeth Hospital and Kaukauna Community Hospital. From 1996 until 2001 was with UPC Health Network and Walgreens Health Initiative as the District Supervisor of Respiratory Therapy and HME Services. Since 2001 Randy had worked as the Manager for Affinity Plus Home Care.

Randy was a wonderful son to his aging parents, caring for them along with his wife Barbara, and was always thankful for his wonderful upbringing. He was an outgoing, gentle man, who made friends easily and everywhere he went. Employees under his direction will always remember Randy for his calm demeanor, and gentle mentoring style. Many owe their careers to his advice and direction.

Randy enjoyed being on the water, whether fishing, or sailing. Randy seems to have been born to sail, for he began at the age of five and hasn't stopped since. He and Barb owned “Mischief” for many years, and eagerly awaited the season's change so they could get her in the water.

Survivors include his parents: Walter and Mae Paape of Green Bay; his wife: Barb Paape of Appleton; a sister-in-law: Lynn Alexander of Birmingham, Alabama; two brothers-in-law: Al (Joanna) Laabs of Springfield, Illinois and Jerry (Jayme) Laabs of Green Bay. There are also four nieces and two nephews who Randy thought the world of and with whom he enjoyed spending time.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, April 30, 2009 at the Wichmann Funeral Home Tri-County Chapel, with Rev. Mary Bauer of First English Lutheran Church officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday afternoon from 4:00 PM until the time of the services. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for medical research. Randy would have not wanted it any other way.

Wichmann Funeral Home
3212 S. Oneida Street
Appleton, WI 54915
920 831-9905