Tapper, G. W. Dr. died 1951

TAPPER, WATKINS, FOWKS, HUPFER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 3/9/2015 at 18:48:03

Cedar Rapids Gazette, Thur., 24 May 1951.

Monona- Dr. G. W. Tapper, 81, died Thursday. Services tentatively set for Sunday at 2 p.m. in Schultz Funeral Home, Monona.

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Added by S. Ferrall 7/2/2024:

Funeral services for Dr. George W. Tapper, 81, physician and surgeon at Monona for 37 years, were held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Schultz funeral home with Rev. Donald R. Corrick, assisted by Rev. A.W. Ebert officiating. Masonic rites were conducted by Harry Schoot of Marquette.

Burial was in the City cemetery.

Dr. Tapper died Thursday morning, May 24, at his home after an illness of several months.

With his passing, the career of one of the oldest practicing physicians and surgeons of northeastern Iowa closed. In the early years of his service, he traveled some of the roughest roads in Clayton and adjoining counties driving a team of horses and a buggy, but he had the reputation of never having refused a professional call day or night.

His service to this community can be estimated only in the hearts of his many loyal friends who will remember with thankfulness his philanthropic work. Like the old Scotch doctor, "He had been a help in their sickness, and had beaten Death time after time from their door. He had endured many a storm in their service and made many a sacrifice for his friends. From youth to old age, he lived not for himself but for others."

He was born at Monona, July 24, 1869, and grew up here. He was educated in the Monona schools, Cornell college at Mt. Vernon, and at the State University of Iowa Medical school, where he was granted a degree in 1895. After his marriage to Anna Watkins, May 19, 1898, he practiced medicine at Ashton and Rowley before coming to Monona in 1913.

He was interested in all civic enterprises and took an active part in the upbuilding of the community. He served as mayor of Monona and also as a director of the Monona board of education. He served as secretary and president of the Monona Commercial club. He took an active part in the Garden club activities and enjoyed his large flower garden.

He was a past master of Clayton Lodge No. 70 A.F. & A.M., a past worthy patron of Monona Chapter No. 256 O.E.S., a member of the Clayton county and Iowa state medical societies and of the American Medical association.

Dr. Tapper served his community with a devotion that has known no reserve and with a kindliness that never failed for almost 40 years. He might have gone to a larger field of service, but he preferred to work among his own people, and has "acted well his part in the drama of life."

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, James of Boise, Idaho; a daughter, Mrs. E.B. (Mary) Fowks of Los Angeles, Calif.; a brother, Will Tapper of San Diego, Calif.; and one granddaughter, Mary Lou Tapper of Logan, Utah.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mrs. Arthur Hupfer of Clinton.

Music was provided by Mrs. George Martin, soloist. Mrs. Ivon J. Schultz was the accompanist.

Members of the Masonic lodge attended the funeral services in a body. Honorary pallbearers were: Dr. W.F. Humphrey, Edward Wirkler, Dr. E.G. Kettelkamp, H.S. Rittenhouse, W.H. Merriman, Dr. Albert Mueller, Dr. William H. Thomas, and Dr. Milton F. Kiesau.

Active pallbearers were: C.R. Belden, Vern Hupfer, William Baskerville, George Martin, F.R. Bothel, F.J. Peglow, A.H. Oelke and Dr. R.R. Reusser.

~Monona Leader, Thursday, May 31, 1951; pg 1