Irwin G. Laper Sr., age 85 of Markesan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at ThedaCare Medical Center in Neenah.

Visitation for Irwin will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 45 St. Joseph Street, Markesan, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. (noon) with Father Paul Eruva as celebrant.

Irwin was born on January 6, 1931 at home on the family farm in Markesan, the son of Herman C. and Emma (Dretske) Laper. He was united in marriage to Nancy Polakowski on April 26, 1952. Irwin was a hardworking, proud and quiet family man. He was always smiling with a happy heart, and his favorite word was usually NO. He enjoyed the hard working life of a farmer, hauled milk for Mr. Collar, worked a few years for the Grand River Coop Fertilizer Plant in Markesan, drove school bus for 28 years and was the janitor for the Markesan District Schools. Irwin had many special hobbies throughout his life, including planting crops, raising chickens, maintaining beautiful gardens, sawing many wood piles and collecting IH tractors and memorabilia. His fondest memory in life was wife, Nancy L. Laper, with whom he enjoyed 64 years of marriage, raised 8 children and enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family was all very dear to his heart.

"I don't think he would ever have been satisfied if he had to give it up altogether, he's been a farmer and janitor so long." said his wife, Nancy. But, as life had changed in his later years, our generous and compassionate husband, father and grandpa couldn't beat the odds of many medical issues in the past several years, including his latest battle with dialysis and residing at the Markesan Resident Home for four years.

Irwin is survived by his wife Nancy of Markesan; his children, Gerald (Judy) Laper of Markesan, Susan (Allan) Krentz of Markesan, Linda (Steven) Dornfeld of Cambria, Jeff (Lisa Jenkins) Laper of Cambria, Irwin (Amy) Laper Jr. of Randolph and Tanya (Paul) Sauer of Cambria; 20 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; siblings, Herbert (Delores) Laper, Avis (Vernon) Cornwell and June Zuhlke, all of Markesan and Robert (Karen) Laper of Waupun; and is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Debra and other relatives.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Waupun Dialysis Center, the van drivers, along with the staff of Markesan Resident Home and ThedaCare Medical Center for all of their loving care shown to Irwin.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 181 S. Main St., Markesan is honored to be serving the family.