Jane Pape

Jane Pape, age 92, of Decorah, IA, passed away Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Vennehjem in Decorah, IA.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on June 20th at Vennehjem in Decorah, Iowa.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, First Lutheran Church of Decorah, Winn Med Hospice.

Born March 12, 1933; the daughter of Joel and Emma Fretheim, Jane attended primary and secondary school in Decorah. She enrolled at Luther College where during her freshman year she met her husband William Bothe.  They married and raised their four children: Chuck, Paul, Rozanne and Mary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Jane was a dedicated wife and mother. Throughout her life she undertook many endeavors: school bus driver, knitting business and clothing store employee, switchboard operator.  For many years,  Jane was the head secretary for the Usinger's Sausage Company in Milwaukee.
Later in life, Jane and her husband Bill,  moved to Monroe, Louisiana.  They enjoyed the theater, musical performances and their church family.  Jane learned the art of quilting, catered executive luncheons and managed a hotel’s complimentary breakfast. Jane was widowed in 2004.

Jane remarried in 2006.  She moved to Florida with her husband and discovered her love of painting.

In 2017 she and her husband moved to Decorah. Jane lived a busy life quilting and reading.  She enjoyed cooking and baking for friends and family.

Jane was blessed with endearing friendships in every place she lived.  God has brought her home and she is at peace.

Jane is survived by her son, Chuck Bothe, daughter Rozanne (Kim) Sorenson, daughter Mary (Greg) Madden; grandchildren:  Naomi Bothe, Richard (Jen) Bothe, Joseph Bothe, William Bothe, Sarah Sorenson, Jonathan (Brooke) Sorenson, Great Grandchildren:Wyatt, Bryn, Sailor & Bodey Bothe, Victor, Osro & Royal Biedermann, Colben Sorenson, Cayson & KayLynn Dower, Owen & Weslie Mae Sorenson. Siblings: Doris (Howard) Schutz, Shirley (Lee) Vangsness, Emory (Elaine) Fretheim, and Joe Fretheim along with many nieces and nephews.

Jane was preceded in death by her son Paul Bothe; siblings: Jules Fretheim, Ruth Nesset, Hazel Stortz, Stanley Fretheim and Lyle Fretheim.

The family would like to thank WinnMed Hospice, and Jane's devoted friends and relatives who cared for her and brought her much joy and comfort.