Albert Abe PAPAI

25 FEB 1943 - 11 JAN 2017

• BIRTH: 25 FEB 1943, South Bend, St Joseph, IN
• DEATH: 11 JAN 2017, New Carlisle, Indiana

• MARRIAGE: 1 MAY 1965, St Joseph County Indiana

1.  Melissa PAPAI
2.  Kelly PAPAI
3.  Tod PAPAI

INDEX

[N16081] Albert “Abe” Papai
Feb. 25, 1943 - Jan. 11, 2017
NEW CARLISLE - Albert “Abe” P. Papai, 73, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 11, 2017, in his home surrounded by his family at his side. Abe was born February 25, 1943, in South Bend, to the late Stephen and Julie (Varga) Papai. After graduating from St. Joseph High School, he played basketball for St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, IN, where he earned a BS in Geology. On May 1, 1965, he married Sandy (Harsanyi), who survives. His children, Tod (Barbara) Papai, Kelly (Tom) Jarka, and Melissa (Raymond) Kuczmanski, will carry on his legacy of kindness and the importance of family. Abe is also survived by eight grandchildren: Brock (Kristina) Jarka, Margaux Jarka, Hunter, Annabelle, and Luke Papai, Olivia, Noah and Isaac Kuczmanski; and great-grandson, Boden Jarka. Surviving siblings include David (Leanor) Papai, Victor (Mary Lou) Papai, and Jill (Tony) Mroczkiewicz. Abe will fondly be remembered as a gifted artisan, leaving beautiful works of primitive archery, fine furniture and custom homes. His creativity spanned multiple genre including writing, stained glass work and metal casting. He leaves countless handmade treasures that will be cherished for generations. Ultimately Abe's love and respect for nature and wildlife was his truest essence. He had a particular fondness for the state and national park systems and their mission of land and wildlife preservation. Visitation will be held 3:00 pm EST. to 7:00 pm EST, Sunday, January 15, 2017, in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Rd., where a Funeral Ceremony will take place at 11:00 am EST Monday, January 16, 2017. Burial will follow at Porter Rae Cemetery, Potato Creek State Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association Indiana Chapter, 7202 E. 87th. Street, #102, Indianapolis, Indiana 46256; or to the Potato Creek State Park Nature Center, 25601 IN-4, North Liberty, Indiana 46554. Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net. Published in South Bend Tribune on Jan. 14, 2017