C. Elaine Gapp

C. Elaine Gapp, age 91, died peacefully on Friday, January 22, 2016, at the Good Samaritan Center, and is now rejoicing in heaven in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

Funeral and Celebration of Elaine’s life will be held 10:30 A.M. Saturday, January 30, 2016 at the First Baptist Church, 18508 E Hwy 9, Forest City with Pastor Eric Weaver and Pastor Matt Rittgers officiating.

Visitation will be held 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. Friday, January 29, 2016 at Cataldo Schott Funeral Chapel, 505 North Clark St. Forest City.

Interment will be held in Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery in Spring Grove, MN.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Good Samaritan Society, First Baptist Church and Hospice of North Iowa.

Elaine Gapp was born on December 12, 1924 in Janesville, WI, the daughter of Charles and Cleva (Koon) Rathjen. Elaine had many interests in her life including her love of music. She majored in music at St. Paul Bible College and was an accomplished pianist, organist, and also excelled at playing the vibraharp. She used her musical talent to teach and serve others. Elaine loved God, the Bible, and Church. Her faith was a vital part of her life.

Elaine and her husband, Eugene, pastored churches in many locations including churches in Burns, MN, Wild Rose, ND, Savage, MT, Aberdeen, SD, St. James, MN, Spirit Lake, IA and finally in Spring Grove, MN. She loved her family and friends and enjoyed taking vacations and trips to see them. After Eugene passed away (1983), Elaine eventually settled in Forest City, IA where she has been a member of the First Baptist Church for many years.

Elaine was a devoted wife of 36 years to Eugene Gapp, who she met during college and married on June 23, 1947, she was a loving mother of the late Jay (Joani) Gapp of Crown Point, IN, Tim (Renee) Gapp of Arlington, IL, Larry (Pam) Gapp of Forest City, IA and Gary (Hope) Gapp of Richmond, KY. She is a cherished grandmother to Jeremy (DeAnna) Gapp, Jed Gapp, David Gapp, Molly (Dave) Dulmage, Katy (Charlie) Maher, Amos Gapp, Ivy (Jonathan) Planck, Lydia Gapp, Justin (Tiffany) Gapp, Jacob Gapp and the late Joshua (Amber) Gapp. Elaine also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren, Daniel, Isaac, Annabelle, Owen, Abigail, Elijah Gapp, Francis Maher, and many nieces and nephews.

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eugene Gapp; son, Jay Gapp; grandson, Joshua Gapp; brothers, Eldon and David; sisters, Evelyn and Lois.