Obituary of John Michael Pappenfus

John Michael “Mike” Pappenfus, 79, died June 8, 2024 after a long and fulfilling life, full of adventure and love. Mike was born in Little Falls, MN November 27, 1944.  He was the second of four children born to Robert John Pappenfus and Patricia Carroll Brown.

From an early age, it was clear Mike had an appetite for adventure. He loved surfing icebergs on the Mississippi River, catching “pets” from the wild such as red-tailed hawks and crows, and hunting and fishing with his family in greater Minnesota and Canada. He graduated from St. Cloud State with a degree in chemistry, and later he got a degree in management from University of Minnesota. While in St. Cloud, Mike worked at his father’s sporting goods store. It was there he met Donna Piechowski, who was working at the card shop next door. It was love at first sight. He courted Donna for two years, before marrying her on September 18, 1965. Shortly thereafter, they moved to South Dakota and started a family. Together, they had two wonderful sons, Rob and John.

Professionally, Mike started his career at Pathfinder, the first nuclear power plant built in the United States, located in South Dakota. He quickly moved up the ranks to become one of the most sought-after energy leaders in the United States. His distinguished career involved nuclear, coal, geothermal, and natural gas projects across the United States including at Northern States Power, Mission Energy, and American National Power. Mike was the first American hired by British National Power to run the Didcot power station, the natural gas power plant that supplies the national grid in the United Kingdom. His focus on safety in potentially dangerous environments made the industry better and his teams safer. It was one of the things he was most proud of during his career.

Mike also made time to give back to the community in meaningful ways that connected community and family. He was president of the PTA when Rob and John were in elementary school. He coached their soccer teams and helped them, and their teammates, become stronger players while having fun. He was also involved in Rotary and the Loyal Order of the Moose, giving back through fraternal organizations to have further reach and impact. 

But despite Mike’s full life and many accomplishments, he was defined by his love for his family. Mike loved Donna in a way that was plain to see, even to those who barely knew them. From travelling the world together to building their dream house, to simply holding hands while walking down the street. He took care of Donna when she was ill or hurt, surprised her in ways that made her laugh and say, “oh Mike…”, and left her love notes when she least expected them. He spent more than 50 years of his life ensuring she felt that love in all the ways. They had a great life together.

Mike was also incredibly proud of his role as a father, and he was born to play it. Rob and John were his greatest achievements. He loved sharing his knowledge while learning from them too. He would dream up and experience wild adventures with them, like floating the boys down the entire Minnehaha Creek in a raft while he ran along the shore to watch them. He was there to help with the big decisions and always there to listen for the small ones. He helped them build lives they are proud of. He was their dad and their best friend in every sense.

Mike is survived by his wife, Donna; sons Rob (Ratcha) and John (Aimee); grandchildren, Brier, Isla and Emerson; sister, Judy; brother, Patrick; nieces, Patricia and Cyndi; and many family and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Anthony.  A service honoring Mike will be held Sept. 27 at 11:00 AM at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 210 Division St., Walker, MN 56484.