Shirley Tappe

Shirley Ann (Johnson) Tappe, 83, of Pine River, died peacefully on Wed., Jan. 28, 2015. Shirley was born on Dec. 23, 1931, in Brainerd, MN. Upon graduation from Pine River High School, she flew down to Wichita Falls, TX, to be united in marriage to Dale Tappe, also from Pine River, who was serving in the United States Air Force. For 20 years they went wherever the military sent them including Michigan, Mississippi, and Texas, with Shirley often remaining stateside while Dale went overseas, including a year in Vietnam.

Following retirement, Shirley and Dale bought a 360-acre farm west of Pine River and raised Black Angus Beef Cattle for 10 years. After selling the farm and cattle, the winters drew them South in their RV and they eventually settled in La Feria, TX. Dale's failing eyesight forced an end to their seasonal travel and they returned to full time residence in Pine River. In 2005 they moved to Riverside Senior Apartments where Shirley remained until failing health led her to move to Riverside Assisted Living in 2013.

Shirley enjoyed gardening, reading, sewing, needlework and walking her dogs.

She will be lovingly missed by her daughter, Bobbye (Kim) Lemke of Nevis, MN; granddaughter, Lori (Chad) Sherman and great grandson, Stanley, of Plymouth, MN; grandson, Major (SEL) Aaron (Angie) Lemke and great grandsons, Tristan and Tavin, of Burke, VA; brother, Bill (Carol) Johnson and sister-in-law, Glenna Tappe of Pine River; nieces, Linda and Denise; nephews, Dean, Richard and Scott; and special friend, Dan Ziegler.

Shirley was preceded in death by her mother, Pearl Torkelson (1993), step-father, Lewis Torkelson (1985), husband, Dale (2007), and dogs, Brandy, Rusty and Chico.

Memorials can be sent to Riverside Assisted Living, Pine River.

Celebration of Shirley's life will be held 1 PM, Monday, Feb. 2, 2015 at Kline Funeral Home, Pine River, with Pastor Mel Nefstead officiating. There will be visitation for 1 hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Norwood Cemetery, Rural Pine River.