Pfc. Johann H. Tapper

Johann H. Tapper was born at Clarkfield, Minnesota, August 28, 1912, and came to the Buffalo Center area with his parents in 1920. He attended country school and stayed at home on the farm southwest of town until he entered the service on November 10, 1942. He was confirmed in the Ramsey Reformed Church and was a fine Christian young man.

After entering the service he first went to Camp White, Oregon, and later to Camp Adair, Oregon. He was last home in February of 1944 and went overseas in March of 1944. He served overseas with Co. L 361st Infantry of the 91st Division, U.S. Army in Italy. He was in North Africa for a time before going to Italy. He was killed in Italy on June 16, 1944. Johann was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Tapper. The Winnebago Post 21 of the American Legion of Buffalo Center held a memorial service here on July 31st and this was followed by a service at Ramsey Reformed Church.

~photo & text from the Buffalo Center Centennial, 1892-1992, pg 140
~contributed by Ken Moen

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Memorial services for Pfc. Johann H. Tapper were held at the Joe Tapper home Monday, July 31st, at 1 o'clock followed with services at the Ramsey Reformed church with the Rev. Snutjer in charge, assisted by Rev. H.F. Senne. Members of the Buffalo Center and Titonka American Legion Posts took part.

Johann Tapper, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Tapper of this place, was reported killed in acton in Italy on June 16th, according to a telegram received by the parents from the War Department at Washington, D.C. Johann entered the service on November 10, 1942. He was at home last in February, 1944, and went overseas in March this year. He was in North Africa for a time and then was sent to Italy.

He was born August 28, 1912, at Clarkfield, Minnesota, and came with the family to this neighborhood when he was about seven years old. He attended country school and stayed at home on the farm southwest of here until he entered the service. He was confirmed in the Ramsey Reformed church, and was a fine Christian young man. He is survived by his parents, 4 brothers and 7 sisters: Mrs. Dick B. Meyer of Titonka; Walter who lives on a part of the home farm; Mrs. Norris Rousseau of Weston, Missouri; Mrs. Everett Rippentrop who lives on the home farm; Mrs. Harm Huisinga; Herman who is in the service somewhere in the Pacific; John, Minnie, Lillie and Henrietta of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Donald at home. All the above were present for the services with the exception of Herman.

Honorary pallbearers were Joe Kline, Guy Bruns, Dick Sleper, Bill Ricklifs, Albert Harms, and Dick Beenken of Titonka. Color Bearers and Guards were John Falk, Howard French, Geo. Graham and Alfred Oesterricher of Titonka. Firing Squad was composed of Al Bohl, Ray Hill, Chris Friis, Jerome Johnson, Frank Schleifer, Martin Behrends, George Carman, Wilbur Boeckholt and Harm Shortenhaus. Marshall Cheebers of the Titonka Post presented the American Flag to the parents. Vernord Boekelman of Buffalo Center sounded Taps.

~Buffalo Center Tribune, August 3, 1944
~contributed by S. Ferrall

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Johann H. Tapper
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Service #37441307
361st Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division
Entered the service from Iowa
Died, June 16, 1944
Buried at Plot F, Row 9, Grave 19, Florence American Cemetery, Florence, Italy
Awards: Purple Heart

~American Battle Monuments Commission website

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