Larry Stapp

LARRY DEAN STAPP

Wapello

Larry Dean Stapp, 75, of Wapello, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at Parkview Manor, Wellman, Iowa.

Larry was born to Everett Garry and Josephine Beatrice (Griffith) Stapp on Nov. 17, 1945, in Cotter, Iowa. He was the 11th of 13 children.

Larry grew up in the Columbus Junction area and graduated from Columbus Community High School in 1964. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1965. He saw active duty in Vietnam, serving two tours. Although his exposure to Agent Orange caused several physical ailments throughout his life, Larry remained extremely proud of his military service and maintained a strong level of patriotism and an abiding love for country.

On Nov. 15, 1969, Larry was united in marriage to Peggy L. Murphy of Ainsworth. They had one son, Shayne Mikel, who was born Oct. 1, 1974.

Larry and his wife started married life in Columbus Junction. They eventually moved to Washington, Iowa, where they owned and operated Larry's Sport Shop for several years. They then moved to Saint Peters, Mo., where Larry became involved in the local real estate market. In 2006, they moved back to Iowa, settling in Wapello, where Larry enjoyed gardening, fishing and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of over 51 years, Peggy Stapp; his siblings, Barbara (Joe) Harbison, Hemet, Calif., Samuel (Karen) Stapp, Wapello, Judith Ross, Port St. Lucie, Fla., and Linda Underwood, Moravia; and in-laws, Jeanette Stapp, Des Moines, and Robert Matthews, Wapello. Larry is survived by his beloved dog, JoJo; and numerous nieces and nephews, many of whom learned much of what they know about fishing from their Uncle Larry.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Shayne; his sisters, Mamie Spears, Darlene Johnson, Joan Matthews and Janet Culbertson; his brothers, Everett, Robert, Dewayne (Mick) and Kirk Stapp; his sisters-in-law, Joan Kelly and Marilyn Stapp; and his brothers-in-law, James Kelly, Doyle Spears, Richard Johnson and Dennis Underwood. Larry was also preceded in death by nephews, Thayne Culbertson, Myron and Jeffrey Spears; and a great-niece, Molly Edmondson.

Per Larry's wishes, he has been cremated and there will be no service. A memorial has been established.