Paul Krapf

Paul Edward Krapf was born on February 7, 1929 to Otto and Dora (Dock) Krapf in rural Eden township. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jasper. Paul was raised on the family farm in rural Jasper during the 1930s (The “Dirty 30’s). Although times were tough, he can remember many blessings – he never went to bed hungry, he could still play games with neighbors, time with church and family that was valued greatly. Often, Sundays were of church, potlucks and softball games, often going to nearby towns to play other church softball teams. Paul attended country school until 8th grade, then attend Jasper High school and graduated in 1946. Following his education, he remained living and working on the farm with his father. While on a 4-H trip, Paul met Caroline Pedersen. The couple was later united in marriage on July 1,1951 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jasper. They made their home on the family farm and continued to farm with his Dad. Paul took over the Krapf family farm in 1962 and added the Angus cattle to the farm. In 1975, his son, Jim, and son-in-law, Dean, joined him in the farming operation. In 1985, Paul and Caroline moved to Sioux Falls, SD and he began his carpet sales adventures. He worked for Thorton Carpets for many years, selling floor covering all over the area. They moved back to Jasper in 2017. Paul began helping Terry Rodman, painting, assembling and restoring windmills on Terry’s shop & farm near Jasper. He retired formally in June 2024 at the age of 95 years. Due to health concerns, Paul became a resident at the Edgebrook Care Center in Edgerton, Minnesota. While surrounded by his family, Paul passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at age 96.

Paul was an active member of his community. Through his church life, he served on church boards, taught Bible class and sang in the choir for 75 years. He served on the Jasper School Board for 18 years. He served on the Pipestone Fair Board and SW Minnesota Mental Health Board. Paul was a proud member of the Minnesota Angus Association and served as Secretary/Treasurer for 25 plus years. Paul was a member of 4-H for 30 years, first as a member then as a Club leader. At age 75, he started watercolor painting. Paul enjoyed Polka Music and dancing, working (Retiring 4 times to prove it), loved his family, enjoyed talking to people and the simple things in life.

Paul is lovingly survived by his wife, Caroline; four children, Nancy (Dean) Stoltenberg, Patricia (Walt) Unger, William (Lisa) Krapf and Barbara Krapf; Daughter-in-law, Jan Krapf; 12 grandchildren, Jeremy Krapf, Joni Meyer, Stacy Stoltenberg, Kari Allen, Reggie & Zach Miller, Crystal Hesse, Amanda Wagner, Adam Krapf, Brant, Brock & Tyler Jacobs; 29 grandchildren, Ty, Trace, Tate, Trever, Noah, Genaveve, Tucker, Christopher, Easton, Mia, Ashton, Mason, Parker, Alyana, Brielle, Aaron, Cali, Paisley, Piper, Theodore, Quinn, Kye, Zeke, Allison, Jennifer, Samantha, Charlie, Caroline & Caitlin. Sister; Karen Amdahl. Special “family”; Pat & Jenna McGunegill, Logan, Mabry, Max, Lenox & McClain. Numerous other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by parents, Otto and Dora Krapf, daughter, Kathy Krapf, son, James Krapf, grandson, Justin Stoltenberg; great-granddaughter, Maci Miller;, sisters, Lois Shella, Lila Rogiers, and Lora Mae Sacks; brothers-in-law, Hall Shella, Wayne Amdahl, Stan Sacks and numerous others.

Blessed his memory be…