Dr. Gerald Tappe

It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Gerald Tappe announce his recent passing. He died at Golden Empire Convalescent Hospital on November 22, 2010 with his wife of 52 years by his side. He was 80 years old. Dr. Tappe was born May 23, 1930 in Porterville, CA to August and Ethyl Tappe. He spent his childhood in Porterville where he helped on the family farm. He learned to play the violin as a child and developed an early love for music. He later served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He attended UC Berkeley where he completed his undergraduate studies. He attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree and was a member of the prestigious dental honor society Tau Kappa Omega. Dr. Tappe later attended Ohio State University where he earned his Masters of Science Degree in Orthodontics. He was a respected orthodontist in the Yuba Sutter area for approximately 20 years, he and his family then moved to Nevada County where he commuted to Sacramento and worked another 10 years before retiring in 2000. Dr. Tappe loved his family which includes his wife, four children, and seven grandchildren. He was an avid violinist and had a passion for classical music. He played the violin in numerous community orchestras as well as weekly at Grace Lutheran Church of which he was a member. He was active in the Lutheran Church and served as an elder for many years. He was very interested in science and nature and never stopped reading and learning. Dr. Tappe is survived by his wife, Virginia Tappe; children, Steven (Norma) Tappe, James (Jennifer) Tappe, Thomas (Holly) Tappe, and Diane (Jason) Tiffany, and grandchildren, Trevor, David, Paul, Joseph, Benjamin, Hannah and Joshua. He was deeply loved by his family and friends and will always be remembered for his kindness, gentleness and generosity. A memorial service for Dr. Tappe will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley at 1:00PM on Saturday, December 11, 2010. Arrangements are in the care of Chapel of the Angels Mortuary in Grass Valley. Send Condolences to www.appealdemocrat.com