Richard Tappe

Richard D. Tappe, age 78 of Pine River, passed away Monday July 7th, 2008, at St. Cloud Hospital, surrounded by his family. Richard was born January 2, 1930, near Sebeka, MN, to Carl and Anna (Nightengale) Tappe.

After graduation from Pine River High School, Richard served in the U.S. Air Force from November 1948 to September 1953. He served in Korea from August 1952 to July 1953, where he was a radio man on C-47 airplanes and was a member of the Kyushu Gypsies, a med-evac squadron. After his honorable discharge, he married Glenna, his best friend and soul mate, on October 3, 1953.

Richard worked for Land/Air Inc., first as an electrician and later as a crew chief. His last year for that company was spent in Sacramento, CA, where he served as a company representative to the Air Force. In May 1960, Richard and Glenna bought his parents farm West of Pine River. They were dairy farmers for 32 years. They had a wonderful life together for almost 55 years. In later years, they enjoyed going to New Ulm, MN, where they attended both Heritagefest and Oktoberfest, and really enjoyed the German hospitality and dancing together.

Richard was very civically active. He served on the Walden Township board, the Cass-Crow Wing Farmers Home Administration, Pine River School Board for 17 years, Cass County Planning Commission, Cass County Budget Committee, and the Cass County Board of Adjustment.

Richard is survived by his wife of 54 years Glenna (Salfisberg); children Linda Janssen, Richard M. (Jackie) and Scott (April); sister Carla Hodgson of Circle Pines; and 10 loving grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Dale.

Services will be held at 2 PM on Friday July 11th, 2008 at the First Lutheran Church, Pine River. Friends may call on Thursday July 10th from 5-7 pm at Kline Funeral Home in Pine River and one hour prior to service on Friday.