Clarence Lappe

Clarence Francis Nicholas Lappe, Jr. was born on May 23, 1935, the son of Clarence N. and Grace (White) Lappe, at St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll. He was baptized and later confirmed into the Catholic faith. Clarence received his education at St. Ann Catholic School in Vail and graduated with the Class of 1954.

On August 3, 1955, Clarence was united in marriage to the love of his life, Donna Frazier, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. They began their married life on a farm near Vail, where they started their family and lived for many years. In 1971, they moved to a farm near Dow City, which became their cherished home.

Clarence began his career in farming and worked for a gravel quarry. He later worked for Iowa Beef Processors and spent many years with Darling International, where he advanced to the position of troubleshooter, traveling to various locations to fix whatever needed attention. He eventually started his own business, L&L Equipment, where he refabricated parts and handled a variety of projects for more than 35 years.

Clarence was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dow City and later St. Rose of Lima in Denison. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. A devoted and hardworking man, Clarence spent much of his life focused on his work and was always tinkering with something. He loved to lend a hand at church events, especially dinners and breakfasts, and never met a stranger. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family.

Clarence passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison at the age of 90 years, five months and ten days. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna Lappe on January 12, 2025; and brother, James Lappe.

Clarence is survived by his children: Deb Wells of Defiance, Kathy (Joe) Burns of Vina, Alabama, Christine (Tony) Ernsperger of Dow City and Pat (Mindy) Lappe of Manning; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sisters: Lois Schroeder, Linda Hahn and Jane Pagel; nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Vail. Interment will follow in the St. Ann Cemetery near Vail. Memorials may be directed to the family.