Howard Lyle Papke

Howard Lyle Papke, 80, passed away Monday November 21, 2011 at Med West Hospital in Sylva. A Native of North Mankato, Minnesota, he was the son of the late Martin and Leatha Hecht Papke. He retired from IBM as a Senior Programmer after 27 years of service. He was very active in the community as a Volunteer after his retirement. With Pathways for the Future he refurbished computers for people with disabilities for over 10 years and received the " Making a Difference Award" from the Cyber Pals Program. At Mountain Heritage Center he did research to identify historical artifacts in the County. He also volunteered at Friends of the Library as well at The Thrift Store at Med West Hospital. In March 2003, he received the North Carolina Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service from the Governor of North Carolina. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by 2 brothers Owen and Keith, and was also preceded in death by his son David. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Janet Justice Papke Daughter- Dana Papke of Fairfax, Virginia Daughter- Karen Papke-Shields of Salisbury, Maryland Son- Martin Papke of Cary, NC Grandchildren- Jessica Pritchett, Darryl Papke, Justin Shields, Anna Shields and Elizabeth Papke Step-Grandchildren- Aaron and Paul Plynaar A Memorial Service will be held 3:00 PM Saturday November 26, 2011 at Sylva First United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service at the Church. In lieu of flowers Memorials can be made to United Christian Ministries , 191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779. An online registry is available at appalachianfuneralservices.com . .