William Bert Paplow

Bill, the son of Bert and Clara Paplow, was born in Fulda, Minnesota, and graduated from Gruver High School. He married Marilyn Harmelink on August 25, 1966, in Melvin, Iowa, where they made their life for many years. Bill worked as a welder before joining his father-in-law in farming. In the early 1980's he embarked upon a series of successful businesses beginning with a machinery repair business that operated from the home acreage and eventually ended up in Sibley. After several events in his life, he took up a career as a long haul truck driver, which took him back and forth across the country. Eventually he purchased and operated an exhaust business in Luverne, MN, where his "laser eye" earned him a reputation for his custom exhaust systems. After retirement, he continued to drive for the United States Postal Service. Bill had many talents and enjoyed helping family and friends with projects. In the words of his children, "Dad had the intuitive skills they try to teach engineers in college but just can't". He was meticulous. He took great pride in his yard and garden--his mowed lawn rivaled the precision of a major league baseball field. Bill was a no-nonsense per...[more]

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. He spoke his mind, and you always knew where he stood. People respected him for that. He had an incredible work ethic, which he passed on to his sons. He was a self-made man who encouraged self-sufficiency. He was frequently seen walking his chocolate lab, Latte, but Bill's real joy came from being with family and friends. He was not an overly demonstrative man, but rather demonstrated his love for his family, especially his grandchildren, in actions and deeds. Bill is survived by his wife, Marilyn; three sons and daughters-in-law, Scott and Karla Paplow of Colorado, Ryan and Lynda Paplow of Florida, and Rodney and Angie Paplow of Minnesota, and their children Kati, Jacy and Amanda; sisters Marlys Frazier and Darlene Johnson; brothers Alan, Richard, Gary, Mark, Steve and David Paplow. He was pre-deceased by his parents, a sister Joyce Lewis and a brother Ron Paplow. Memorials may be directed to National Alliance for Mental Illness. Online condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com