David Merlin Pape, 83, of Sturgeon Bay, WI, passed away on Tuesday, July, 28th, 2026 at home. Dave was born on August 28, 1942, in Sturgeon Bay to the late Doris (LaVine) and Merlin “Tarz” Pape as the youngest of 3 children. Dave adored his older sisters Sherron and Pat. He grew up on 2nd Avenue, in Sturgeon Bay, and as the story always went, in his younger years they didn’t have running water. His mom would heat up bath water from the rain barrel once a week. As the youngest, he’d be the last to bathe and by then, the bath water was cold and dark. He was in a 3rd Avenue rooftop gang. He’d run across the bay over the railroad bridge and across the tops of the wooden barrels of cherries stacked on the docks. His bedroom had a penny tile floor and was wallpapered with uncut sheets of baseball cards that his mother got for him. Best of all, he learned how to build a fire from their neighbor, Chief Roy Oshkosh. Even up to his last days, Dave would make sure his family knew the history. He spent a lot of time at the youth center where he was mentored by Jim Larson. Jim Larson’s commitment to the youth of Sturgeon Bay left a lifelong impression on Dave, leading him to follow in Jim’s footsteps many decades later. He loved recounting the stories of his undefeated 8-0 Clipper football team under the legendary coach Al Mancheski. Dave recalled how he struggled as a football player. He couldn’t see the ball and frequently drew criticism from the coach. Coach Mancheski (an optometrist by trade) brought him to his office, discovered that Dave was nearly blind in one eye, fitted him with glasses, and with newfound vision, he began to excel in the game of football. We are all going to miss his stories. In 1958, at Sturgeon Bay High School, he became smitten with an upperclassman named Patti Boes who, according to family lore, liked to race cars with the guys and read long novels in the bleachers during Dave’s football and basketball games. On July 4th, 1964, Dave and Patti were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay. Soon after, Michael came along, then Colleen a year later. Daniel and Stephen rounded out the family. They made their home on Rhode Island Street. Dave’s career in the Merchant Marines on the Great Lakes with Columbia Transportation (Oglebay Norton) began in 1967. He worked his way up from tunnel work, eventually becoming a Chief Engineer. He would have made his father-in-law, Arnold Boes, who had held the same position, proud. This career meant that Dave was often not at home for family celebrations and holidays. The family adapted, planning family events like children’s birthday parties, baptisms, first communions, and even Christmas around his time off the boats. Dave and Patti had a tradition of having a white, flocked Christmas tree, so it would last until February so the family could celebrate Christmas when Dave returned home from the Lakes. Dave always expressed his admiration for Patti and her sacrifices. As difficult as it was for Patti to work and raise four children on her own while he was on the Great Lakes most of the year, she never wavered in her support and encouraged Dave to continue gaining experience, and to continue to study to obtain his Chief Engineer license. He was always so grateful to have Patti as his wife and the love of his life. After 40 years on the lakes, Dave retired and finally returned home to Patti. With Patti’s blessing, he invested himself in what was then called the Jim Larson Boys & Girls Club, named after his childhood mentor. During his years with the Boys and Girls Club of Door County, Dave had served in nearly every role at the club - from director to janitor, to board member. But, what Dave truly loved was being involved with the annual golf outing committee. He loved hosting guests and friends in his home for the event. He loved hitting the road for sponsorships and donations and talking to people about the event. He enjoyed the friendships, the meetings, the conversations, and above all, the spirit of community that the event brought about – and that it wasn’t just long-time locals that were getting involved. Dave enjoyed his time with Neighbor to Neighbor Volunteer Caregivers of Door County and the Kiwanis Club. He spent time serving as president for both organizations for some time. He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club until his last days. He believed strongly in the mission of both of these organizations and the people involved. In 2013, he was awarded the Lifetime of Service Golden Heart Award for Door County. This past spring, Dave was nominated again for a Golden Heart Award, this time for Adult Volunteer of the Year by the Boys and Girls Club. He was humbled and moved to tears by this recognition. During his retirement, beyond volunteering in our community, he took on a job with Walmart, enjoying new friends, old and young. One of the roles he found most important was tending to the lawn and garden department in the spring and summer. He was determined to offer the most beautiful and healthy plants in town. Dave found his time at Walmart to be a wonderful social outlet as people began to stop in just for a visit and maybe to pick something up from the store. During some of his post-retirement winters, Dave was asked to join various crews during winter lay up at the shipyard to help with repair work on ship engines and conveyor systems due to his deep knowledge and background as Chief Engineer. He enjoyed this opportunity to be aboard the ships and enjoy the camaraderie again. The crews loved having him there with them as a mentor. Dave deeply cherished family. To him family meant anyone who was important to someone he loved. We have to call attention to the strong, lifelong bonds formed with fellow shipmates and their families, and how important they have been to Dave and our family. Dave was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years and love of his life, Patti. Dave’s greatest work and act of service was dedicating himself to giving her the best care and love while she lived with cancer. This meant the world to his children. They are now reunited in their everlasting love and the giant hole that was left in his heart 11 years ago with Patti’s loss has been restored. Dave was also preceded in death by his beloved sisters Sherron Schroeder, Pat Cortez, and baby sister Emma Ann. Dave is survived by son Michael D. Pape (Nancy) of Glendale, AZ, daughter M. Colleen Kollberg (Wade) of Appleton, WI, son Daniel D. Pape (Jessica) of Spring Green, WI, son Stephen D. Pape (Beth) of Oconomowoc, WI. Dave is further survived by grandchildren Michelle Pape-Krueger (Joey Kolenc), Ryan Krueger (Heidi), Annica Pape (Paul Zweifel), Averie Pape, Curt Hibbard (Darby), Nathaniel Kollberg (Kenzie Kudrna), Aaron Kollberg (Avi VanHooreweghe), Luke Pape (Kayla Potter), Sam Pape, Monty Pape, Hailey (Max) Sloan, Hannah Krause and great-grandchildren Rosalyn, Soraya, Avril, Stormie, Meeka, Elaina Jo, Bernadette, and soon-to-be-born Clover, along with his beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and many good friends. A special thank you to the kind and compassionate care he received from Door County Medical Center - especially Dr Antonio, Dr Hogan and Taylor Kubiak APN. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Wednesday, Aug 5, 2026, at St. Joseph Church in Sturgeon Bay with the Rev. William Brunner and Deacon Bill Gerl presiding. A visitation will be held at Forbes Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 am until the time of service. Dave spoke often about how many children the club served and how it profoundly impacts the lives of Door County’s children. During the last several weeks, he was still actively engaged in fundraising for the club’s August 10th event. In the spirit of Dave, let’s give him his kind of send off. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Door County in Dave’s Honor today.