Clifford G. Papik, 98, Spearfish, SD died Saturday, July 25, 2015 at the Fort Meade Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Clifford was born on September 9, 1916 one of a pair of identical twins, born to Gus and Mabel (Fackelman) Papik at Yankton, SD. He grew up on a farm near Gayville, SD area and attended school graduating from Gayville High School in 1934.

He attended one year of college at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa before transferring to the University of SD for his final years and graduating in 1938. He taught and coached at Mission, SD from 1939-1940. On August 8, 1940, he married Jeanne Burnham in Yankton, SD. In 1941, was called to active duty with the US Air Force. He served until 1946. While in the Air Force he developed an exercise program for the bombardiers to use while they were confined to cramped quarters in the planes during bombing missions. It was used successfully throughout the Air Force during World War II.

In 1947, he returned to college at the University of Northern Colorado where he completed work for his Masters Degree and also his doctoral work in the field of education. In 1948, he became head of the Department of Physical Education at Black Hills State College. He also started the baseball program at the same time and continued to coach this sport during his entire career, until his retirement in 1978. In 1980, he was elected to the NAIA Baseball Hall of Fame, the SDIC Hall of Fame and to BHSU Hall of Fame.

Cliff was also very involved in the development of the American Legion Junior Baseball program in the State of South Dakota. He served as the Commissioner of the western half of the state for many years. It was always with a great deal of satisfaction that he watched this program develop to the level that it has become in the State of SD.

He served as Commander of the Spearfish American Legion Post and was an active member all of his life. He was President of the Lions Club of Spearfish, served on the Spearfish Canyon Golf Board of Directors for many years and was one of the original charter members of the Knights of Columbus in Spearfish and was always active in his church and in the community.

Cliff was always a great outdoors sportsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and golf. After his retirement he and Jeanne traveled throughout the US pursing their favorite sports of golf and fly fishing. He truly had a full and satisfying life in being able to enjoy his love for his church, community and his fellow comrades. The opportunity to be able to work with the athletes and the students during his teaching career was a gift from our Lord, and he was forever grateful to be a part of it.

Cliff is survived by his wife of almost 75 years, Jeanne Papik of Spearfish; brother, James Stanage of Rapid City and many nieces and nephews.


Visitation will be from 6-7 PM on Thursday July 30, 2015 at St Joseph Catholic Church in Spearfish with the Vigil following at 7 PM. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, July 31, 2015 at the church. Internment will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with full military honors provided by the US Air Force and the Spearfish Honor Guard. . In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to benefit the Spearfish Veterans Monument and the Clifford G. Papik Scholarship Fund at Black Hills State University.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels & Crematory Service of Spearfish. Online condolences may be left at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com