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Leslie Rudolph Tappan (Doc)

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Leslie Rudolph Tappan (Doc), age 98½, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2020, in Appleton, WI with his daughter and son-in-law by his side. He had lived a full and blessed life, and was ready to return to his Maker.

Leslie was born on July 26, 1921, to Ira De Brueler Leslie Tappan and Emma Matilda Ulfers Tappan. He was their only child, and he grew up during the Great Depression. Even though those years presented some struggles, he felt much love and security from his parents and extended family.

Leslie graduated from high school in Fairbury, IL. He then enrolled at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. His education was interrupted from 1943-1945 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served as a 2nd Lieutenant and was a navigator on B25s, B17s and B29s. In 1946, Leslie married Imogene Margaret Jessup. Jean was a farm girl from Fairbury, and a neighbor of his uncle. In a short time, they moved to Elkader, IA where he started his optometric practice. They thought the small Iowa town would be a great place to work and raise a family, so that is what they did. He was an optometrist in Elkader  for 38 years.

During these years he was very generous with his time and talents, and was a kind leader. Some of his proud achievements were being elected President of Peace Church UCC Council, President of Central Community Hospital, President of the Rotary Club, and his membership of Central Community School Council. He was also an original organizer of the Elkader Golf and Country Club and a member of the Scottish Rite Consistory and a 3rd degree Mason.

He and Jean loved to play golf. They were avid Iowa Hawkeye football fans. They enjoyed spending time at their cabin near Harpers Ferry, IA, and during their retirement, traveled the world together, and spent winters together in Venice, FL over the years.

Doc and Jean were married 64 years. They had a daughter, Julie Daley (husband, Jim) who reside in Appleton WI, and a son Mark Tappan (wife, Gina) in Corpus Christi, TX. There are six grandchildren. Carrie Moore (Kyle), Amy Boyle (Andrew), Elizabeth Daley (fiancé Dan Marschall), Christopher Daley (Abigail), Laura Daley (fiancé Jacob Wehler), and Catherine Daley. Leslie was especially proud of his 11 great-grandchildren: the Moore kids: Kalyn, Mason, Aydan, Evynn and Logan; and the Boyle kids: Ava, Drew, Brady, Hank, Vera, Vada, and a sweet baby due this summer. He would like to sit back and watch everyone interact, and often commented how proud he was that his family respected and loved one another.

Leslie will be missed. He aged with dignity and grace, and it was an honor for us to spend his final days with him. The family will have a celebration of his life this spring at Peace UCC in Elkader, IA.  If you so choose, memorials may be given to Peace UCC, Box 268, Elkader IA 52043, or Last Paws Animal Rescue, 2105 Hollister Drive, Tomah, WI  54660 .

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