Fish everywhere breathe a sigh of relief, for their biggest foe has passed.  He has gone to fish new waters where the wind and weather are always heavenly.  We will miss him, but also know he is already with his wife, and wondering when he can make his next cast for that big bass.

Allen M. Paap, Jr. was born on May 14, 1928 in Otoe, Nebraska to Allen M. Sr. and Hannah G. (Norton) Paap. He graduated from Otoe High School in 1946.

Allen Jr. married Phyllis M. Gress on December 30, 1948 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nebraska City. They were married over 66 years until Phyllis’ death in 2015. Allen (Pug) and Phyllis raised seven children.

Allen had a strong work ethic starting with delivering the Omaha World Herald in the town of Otoe in his youth. He worked at Western Electric and James Oil Company before starting his own businesses in Nebraska City. He operated Paap’s Mobil from 1954 to 1977 and owned and operated Paap’s Sport Shop from 1977 to 2024. He and his father started Southeast Fur Buyers in the 1970’s and he continued it with his son John.

Allen’s passion was fishing. It was a contagious passion that he shared with others. He won numerous angler awards, and he still holds the State of Nebraska record for Black Crappie. He was a devoted family man and loving caretaker for his wife.

He will be missed by his children: Janet Paap of Omaha, NE; Susan Frederick of Papillion, NE; Wanda White and husband Larry of Lincoln, NE; Jim Paap and wife Susan of Lincoln, NE; Nancy Durr and husband Jeff of Paxton, NE; Paula Aksamit of Syracuse, NE; John Paap and wife Allysyn of Dunbar, NE; 12 grandchildren: Michelle (Steve) Wescott, Mellissa (Scot) McSpadden, Jarod Steiner, Tony (Becky) Durr, P.J. (Grant) Jackson, Jake Paap, Tanner Paap, Chance Paap, Shasta Paap, Rayce Aksamit, Shayna (Ryan) Murrell, Dylan Paap; 14 great-grandchildren; sister Jeanette (Richard) Kastens of Otoe, NE; special friend Joann Sauberzweig; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis (Gress); parents Allen Sr. and Hannah (Norton) Paap; sister Rachel (Arlen) Ross; and son-in-law Todd Aksamit.

Allen M. Paap Jr. entered into enteral life on December 13, 2024 at the Ambassador Care Center in Nebraska City, NE at the age of 96.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Gude Mortuary in Nebraska City. Lunch will follow the funeral at St. Mary's Church Hall and then burial will follow the lunch at approximately 1:15 p.m. in the Otoe (Union) Cemetery in Otoe, NE.

The family will greet friends on Friday (12/20) evening from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to the Otoe Cemetery Association.