Person:Larry Papachek (1)

Larry Papachek

May 6, 1932-Nov. 8, 2007

Age: 75

Residence: Greeley

Tribute: Larry Dean Papachek was born in Fargo, N.D., to Lewis and Louella (Casper) Gress, and was later adopted by Edward Papachek. He grew up in Warwick, N.D., and rode his horse to school each day. During his senior year in high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served four years. In 1956, he moved to San Diego where he worked for ROHA Aircraft. In 1957, he entered the U.S. Navy and served for 17 years. During those years, he served aboard the USS Oriskany Aircraft Carrier and was transferred several times at home and abroad. He was a member of the Nuclear Weapons Training Group and served as an instructor. He was honorably discharged in November 1974.

Mr. Papachek loved woodworking and especially enjoyed his grandchildren. He rarely missed any of their school or sporting events. The grandchildren fondly remember trips to Circle K and Dairy Queen on the way home from school with "Gramps." He also enjoyed fantasy football and was extremely proud of his two FFL Championship trophies.

Mr. Papachek died Thursday at the Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado inpatient unit, Greeley

Survivors: His wife, Shirley Papachek of Greeley; a son, Kevin Dean Papachek and wife Tina of Johnstown; a daughter, Keshia DeAnn Schmidt and husband Paul of Evans; his mother, Louella Papachek of Devils Lake, N.D.; his mother-in-law, Mollie Klein of Greeley; his grandchildren, Kellie Papachek of Chadron, Neb., Presley Dean Papachek of Johnstown and Harley R. Schmidt and Devin James Schmidt, both of Evans; two sisters, Kay McKelvey and husband Dayton of Devils Lake and Kerry Bernier and husband Joe of Rockford, N.D.; a sister-in-law, Stella Papachek of Devils Lake; a brother-in-law, Bill Klein and wife April of Yucaipa, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by: His father, Lewis Gress; adopted father, Edward Papachek; a brother Keith Papachek; his father-in-law, George R. Klein.

Services: 10 a.m. Tuesday at Adamson West Chapel.

Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Greeley.

Visitation: 7-9 p.m. Monday at Adamson West Chapel.

Note: Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado in care of Adamson Funeral and Cremation Services, 2000 47th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.adamsonchapels.com.