William Lappen

William J. Lappen - Age 88, long-retired paper industry executive and local philanthropist, and soon great-grandfather to be for the fourth time, died peacefully in his sleep on Oct. 31, 2024, surrounded by his family. Throughout his life, William cultivated the love of beauty in nature and love of birds and dogs. He believed in finding solutions to any problems through creativity, study and perseverance. He attended Clemson University in South Carolina in the Master Gardener Program and applied his insights to improve the environment, particularly at his local golf course where, after retirement in 2001, he installed and maintained more than 70 birdhouse systems, and also founded the popular Senior Golf Monday League in '02. Many other philanthropic contributions include Oconto County Commission on Aging, Lions Club Board, Salvation Army Charities and the VA. Bill was born on Sept. 14 to Alma (Borree) and Joseph Lappen, in Kaukauna. An industrious boy, he worked a paper route in the early morning hours before school at St. Mary's, delivering more than 100 papers and often mentioning how he stopped to marvel at the homes with TV sets installed! In high school, he assisted in taking his baseball team “The Ghosts” to a state championship victory as their starting (lefty) pitcher. He was recruited by the White Sox to attend training in Florida and at age 17, he traveled more than 40 hours by bus to reach the tropical Floridian destination he described as “paradise,” noting the sunshine, scent of orange blossoms and palm trees. He vowed to return one day. In the off-season he played ball in Canada with many famous athletes from the Maple Leaf hockey team. In 1955, in family tradition, he joined the Armed Services and was stationed in Colorado and Louisiana. After returning home in 1960, he met Ellen Mary Kiley and they were wed in Holy Matrimony on July 9 at St. Mary's in Appleton. Bill's growing career in the paper industry created an opportunity to relocate in the late '60's, as he moved from the laboratory at Thilmany to managing sales in a Midwest region for Fleetwood and Solvox Chemicals. He chose to relocate to the pastoral, picturesque town of Oconto Falls, where he and Ellen raised their family before early-retiring to South Carolina in 1996. Bill is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, watercolor artist: Ellen Mary Marguerite Kiley Lappen; parents: Alma and Joseph Lappen; brothers: Robert, Donald (wife Mary nee Martzel deceased) and Glen (wife Pat nee Taylor surviving) Lappen. He is survived by three children: Clare Marie Zaro, Joan Marie (Vaiana), and Joel John; four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. The Celebration of Life is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 100 River Island Dr., Oconto Falls Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 30. Oral Roberts Pastor Matt will say a blessing and The Honorable Jay Conley will offer the eulogy. A Veteran Memorial presentation of the flag and playing of the traditional 'Taps' will precede the meal. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests something 'Dad' would want - please feed the birds this winter. He would often laugh and say, 'Birds are people, too!' Rest in peace, WJL. You were very loved.

Gallagher Funeral Home, Oconto, WI, 920-834-3000