July 24, 1924 — Nov. 17, 2017
WESLEY — A funeral Mass was held Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley with Father Steven McLoud officiating. Burial was in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Andrew American Legion Post #428.
Joseph Anthony Lappe was born July 24, 1924, in Bancroft, son of Anthony and Josephine (Lampe) Lappe. He attended St. John’s Catholic School and then served in the United States Army during World War II being stationed in the Philippines.
On June 15, 1949, Joe was married to Mary Lou Bormann at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joe. They farmed near Bancroft for four years, near Algona for two years, then near Wesley for 30 years until he retired in 1986. They moved to town in 1992 but farming remained in his blood, and he passionately continued helping his sons until he turned 85. He enjoyed traveling and loved his time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Andrews American Legion Post #428.
Joe died on Friday, Nov. 17, 2017, at the North Iowa Hospice Inpatient unit in Mason City at the age of 93.
Survivors include his four children, Ruth Rasmussen and her husband Dwight of Wesley, Karen Penning of Corwith, Steven Lappe and his wife Teresa of Wesley, and Dale Lappe and his wife Erin of Wesley; 16 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Irene May of Englewood, CO, a sister-in-law; Barbara Lappe of Osage; and many nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Lou on Aug. 9, 2005; nine siblings; Lawrence Lappe, Louise (Walt) Goche, Louis (Jennie) Lappe, Loretta (Ray) Kramer, Laura (Herman) Kahler, Marie (Leon) Clapsaddle, Florence (Leo) Kramer, Frank Lappe, and Al (Rita) Lappe; and brother-in-law; Dick May.
Oakcrest Funeral Services of Wesley in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.