Leonard Pappel

Leonard Pappel was born at the farm homestead on May 30, 1934, 3rd child of Leo & Anna Pappel formerly of Straussberg. He passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at the Emerson Personal Care Home.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Tina (nee Kehler); their daughter, Sandra (Jim) Dickson; daughter-in-law, Sandra Pappel, 4 grandchildren, Crystal, Riley, Alison & Heather; 5 great- grandchildren, Kayden, Asher, Anna, Colten & Wyatt, 1 brother Gordon (Esther); 1 sister Darlene (Ted Klassen); and brother-in-law, George Sawatzky.

He was predeceased by his parents, Leo & Anna; his son Glen, his brother Randall, his 2 sisters Adeline (at age 5) & Deanna.

Leonard started farming at a young age with his father and mother. From a young age, he was an avid farmer who started renting land to farm in his teens.

After a hockey game in Altona, Len met a Kehler girl, who became the love of his life. Len & Tina got married in the fall of 1961, where they spent their first winter living with Len’s parents. In the spring of 1962, Len and Tina rented some land near Emerson, where they moved to.

In the fall of 1962, they welcomed their first of 2 children, Glen; soon followed by their daughter, Sandra in 1965. Through the years farming together, they built up the farm. In future years they purchased this land, becoming what is now the family farm.

After a brief time working off the farm, their son, Glen returned to the family farm working as partners with his Mom & Dad, wife Sandra and their 2 children, Crystal and Riley. The family farm is still being farmed today, by his grandson, Riley, wife Delayne and their 3 sons. Len continued helping out on the farm till his health issues forced him off the tractor. However, Leonard could still be seen helping around the farm wherever he could. Even in the Care Home, any farming story would keep him entertained for hours.

Farming and raising a family kept Len busy; but he still had time to be involved in different community activities. The Lutheran Church was a big part of his life, where he filled many rolls sitting on the Council Board of the Church and doing maintenance on the building.

Having children, led him into 4-H, where he was a leader for over 15 years for his own children & kids of the community. Later on in his years, he also became a 4-H leader for his grandchildren teaching them & many other children, wood working.

His side line as a carpenter led him into all kinds of community projects; be it building a neighbours closet or cupboards. Working at Fort Dufferin with Dick, Les & Paul, rebuilding the interpretive center, the officers latreen, making miniature replicas, along with Tina of the Officers Quarters, the Horse Stables and paddlewheel ships that went down the Red River. Also building a life size model of the Red River Oxcart from scratch, with Paul. As well as the Fort Dufferin Sign. All these things Leonard built, helped Fort Dufferin come alive today.

If you drive by the corner park in Emerson, you can also see a replica of the swinging bridge constructed by Leonard. He had a passion to do wood working!!

Leonard was on the Emerson Complex board for many years. He was also the ice maker and caretaker of the Emerson Curling Ring for many years.

Leonard was on the Gateway Lions Club as a Treasurer and President for many years. Many of you may remember the Car On Ice Fundraiser, where Glen & Brian put this little blue car on the ice and people tried to guess when it would sink.

In 1979, Len & Tina, along with their good friends, Alex & Linda, built a cottage together at Buffalo Point, which they shared for many happy years. As families grew, the couples branched out, leaving Len & Tina with their family to enjoy the cottage for many years to come.

In 1992, Len & Tina built their dream home across from the family farm. While they enjoyed their new home, they also travelled by car, ships and buses to many places around the world.

In retirement, Len & Tina moved to an apartment in the town of Emerson. They still managed to visit the farm on a regular basis. Declining health and immobility kept Len at home more frequently, finally leading to stays at Boundary Trails Hospital, Morris Hospital, the Red River Lodge in Morris and then to the Emerson Care Home ; where he passed away peacefully.

Whether at the curling club, the coffee shop or family events, Leonard will be greatly missed by all who new him!!

A celebration of Leonard's life will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church, Friedensthal. A private interment will take place prior to the service at the Lakeside Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Leonard may be made to Parkinson Canada, or the Emerson Personal Care Home.