Pastor Laper

Sun Prairie - Pastor Ardin Doherty Laper, age 97, of Sun Prairie reached his heavenly home on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at Hyland Crossing. He was born July 1, 1919, at home on the family farm near Markesan, WI to Oscar and Gertrude (Doherty) Laper. On September 2, 1919, Ardin was baptized.

Ardin attended Prairie View rural school through seventh grade, and eighth grade in Markesan. During his freshman and sophomore years he received confirmation instruction at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church with Pastor George Kobs, and was confirmed March 25, 1934. Deciding to become a pastor, he enrolled at Northwestern Preparatory School, Watertown, WI that fall to finish high school, taking evening classes in Latin and German. He graduated from Northwestern College, Watertown in 1941, and from the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon in 1944.

On August 12, 1944, he was united in marriage with Lily Helen Odin of Milwaukee. The Nebraska District Mission Board called him to open a church in Omaha. Good Shepherd Church and School (first taught by Pastor Laper) continues at present. In 1951, Pastor Laper was called to Peace Lutheran in Wautoma, WI. A school of nine opened in 1954 with the Pastor teaching three of his children. In 1959, he was called to serve Peace Church in Sun Prairie. In 1985, he served as the assistant pastor with Pastor Elton Stroh. Celebrating 50 years of ministry in 1994, he enjoyed a "little more intense retirement" when a second full time pastor was installed. At age 92, he began full time retirement.

Pastor Laper served on the Western District Mission Board for 18 years (12 years as Chairman). He chaired the Sun Prairie Bicentennial Committee, was active in Friends of the Library and the city museum. For 51 years, he compiled weekly "Winnowings" for the local newspaper, gleaning news from past decades of Sun Prairie history. He also enjoyed reading, gardening, scenic drives, traveling, and keeping touch with family.

He is survived by children, Lorie (Jeffrey) Judson, Trudy (Robert) Madetzke, Jenny, Nicholas (Kerry), Priscilla Vilhauer, Bonita Sullivan, and Victoria (Douglas) Clemann; 15 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, nieces, Diana Odin and Myrna Armstrong; nephews, Gary (Cheri) Albright and Scott (Kathy) Odin and their families.

Pastor Laper was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Lily (July 30, 2016), daughter Alice May (stillborn), brother, Oscar, sister, Kathryn and their spouses, and two nephews, Tom Odin and Gene Albright.

Funeral services will be held at PEACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 232 Windsor St., Sun Prairie, on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Luke C. Werre officiating. Burial will take place at Sun Prairie Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the new Peace Lutheran Early Childhood Center, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) World Missions, or Agrace HospiceCare, Fitchburg.

Special thanks to Pastor Luke Werre and church family, staff of Prairie Gardens and Hyland Crossing, AGRACE, and all friends and neighbors who shared smiles, care and love in his last years.

"I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me will never die." (John 11:25)

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
1310 Emerald Terrace Sun Prairie
(608) 837-9054