Albert “Abe” Papai, 1943-2017

Albert “Abe” P. Papai, 73, of New Carlisle, IN, died peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, in his home surrounded by his family at his side.
Abe was born Feb. 25, 1943, in South Bend, IN, to Stephen and Julie (Varga) Papai.
After graduating from St. Joseph High School, Abe played basketball for St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, IN, where he earned a BS in Geology.
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.
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, and Olivia, Noah, and Isaac Kuczmanski; and great-grandson, Boden Jarka. Surviving siblings include David (Leanor) Papai, Victor (Mary Lou) Papai and Jill (Tony) Mroczkiewicz.
Visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 15, from 3 to 7 p.m. EST at St. Joseph Funeral Home, South Bend, where a Funeral Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. EST Monday, Jan. 16. Burial will follow at Porter Rae Cemetery, Potato Creek State Park, North Liberty, IN.
Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association Indiana Chapter, 7202 E. 87th. St., No. 102, Indianapolis, IN 46256; or Potato Creek State Park Nature Center, 25601 IN. 4, North Liberty, IN 46554.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.sjfh.net.