"I just read about Dee?s passing in the sun current today. She and Bob (gosh it sounds weird to not refer to them as Mr and Mrs Clapp) were our neighbors on Benton Avenue when I was little. I remember going over to their house to play, especially when they had their grandchildren over to visit. I?m sorry I don?t remember any of your names but I do remember having lots of fun on their deck and playing in a small splash pool in the backyard. But the memory I wanted to share was this. One time they went out of town. Florida maybe? Anyway, Dee offered to pay me to water their plants on the deck while they were gone. I agreed to, and then promptly forgot. I remembered a day or two before they were scheduled to come home. I dutifully went over there and watered the heck out of all of their very dead plants. I remember being very sad because she would probably never talk to me again and I wouldn?t ever go get to play there again. But lo and behold, when they came home I got a hug and a thank you for coming to water the plants and I think she even brought some thing back for me from the trip. she was a kind and classy lady. I?m so sorry for your family?s loss. She will be missed! Lindsey (Munson) Smith"
In loving memory of
Dolores "Dee" Clapp
May 17, 1927 - June 11, 2022
Dolores "Dee" Clapp, 95, of Fort Dodge and formerly of Edina, Minnesota, died Saturday, June 11 2022 at her carriage house in Fort Dodge, Iowa. There will be a private family celebration and memorial held at a later date. The Laufersweiler Funeral Home in Fort Dodge is serving the family.
Dee is survived by her son R.V. Clapp III and his wife Suzanne, daughter Cynthia Clapp Wincek and partner Keith Crane of Washington D.C., and daughter Ann Pollard. In addition, grandchildren R.V. "Zak" Clapp IV, his wife Stephanie, and their son R.V. "Zeke" Clapp V of Humboldt; Michael "Max" Clapp and his significant other Kahle Kastella of Fresno, CA; Christianna Wincek of Portland, Oregon, Jessica Wincek of North Adams, Massachusetts; Elizabeth Pollard of Draper, Utah, and Michael Pollard of San Francisco.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert V. Clapp II, brothers Clyde Chappell, Clifford Chappell, and son in law Bruce Pollard.
Dolores Chappell was born May 17, 1927, in Maywood, Illinois. She was raised in Maywood and graduated from Proviso East High School. She then attended the University of Illinois and was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. While sitting on the university campus bleachers, she noticed a long-legged G.I. named Robert Vernon "Bob" Clapp and their adventure together began. On September 16, 1950, the couple were married and first made their home in Park Ridge, IL where they were very involved in the local PTA. Bob's career took the couple to St. Paul, MN where Dee was a loving homemaker. After her children graduated from high school, she started her career in sales. She worked for International Multifoods, the Holiday Company, and McGarvey Coffee. She and Bob started Soft-Learn Systems to sell multimedia PC training products in 1984.
Volunteering with other women in the Edina, Minnesota area, the Assistance League supported under-privileged children and provided care to women in crisis. Dee assisted the group in seeking corporate funding and also was a leader in establishing a secondhand store which donated all proceeds to those in need of the Assistance League. She was also involved with the Edina PTA and fund raising. Dee was very active in the AAU swim program volunteering every weekend and eventually became Secretary of the Minnesota State AAU. Bob and Dee were also President of the Edina Swim Team.
In 2009, Dee and Bob moved to Fort Dodge to be closer to family. Dee continued to volunteer in Fort Dodge with the Chamber of Commerce especially during Christmas time. She enjoyed playing bridge and met some of her closest friends, Barb, Svana, and Nancy, to play cards on Friday afternoons. They enjoyed many meals and even more laughs together. Dee will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the Assistance League Minneapolis/St. Paul (tax deductible), 6416 Penn Avenue South, Richfield, MN 55423, Minnesota Orchestra Cello Section, Guthrie Theater or other charities of your choice in her name.
Tributes
"We enjoyed being around Dee, if only for a short time in her life. Her zest for life and positive attitude were infectious. I admired her spunk??taking Zak and Max on summer trips because, well, why not?? She added sparkle to all those who knew her. Our thoughts are with you. Deanna and Dick Rhiner"
"Dear Clapp family, My sympathies on the loss of Dee. Although my relationship with Dee was not a long one, I found it to be profound. She was a great lady, and I am glad to called her a friend of mine. With Prayers, Matt Maggio"
"i am so very very sorry fof the passing of dee.what a lady full of spirit.my sympathy to all of the family.she was a great customer at becker florist where i had the honor of meeting her. jonn hanson"