Jeffrey Gaulrapp

Jeffrey “Howie” Lee Gaulrapp, 68, of Sioux Falls, passed away peacefully in his home on November 26, 2024, in Sioux Falls, SD.

Jeffrey Lee Gaulrapp was born on March 7, 1956, the third child of six, to Clayton and Marjorie (Starkey) Gaulrapp in Roseau, Minnesota. He grew up in several locations including Aberdeen, SD and Sioux Falls, SD before moving to Redfield, SD where he graduated high school in 1974. 

He worked at his dad’s grocery store while in Redfield and then moved out west before joining the Navy as he served from 1987-1991. He then moved to Aberdeen, SD where he met his wife and married in 1995, and they had their daughter Courtney which was the light of his life. They moved to Wisconsin where he worked several jobs until moving back to Sioux Falls, SD where he retired. 

He enjoyed any type of sports and was an absolute fanatic for the Minnesota Vikings, North Carolina Tarheels, Boston Celtics and the Minnesota Twins. It was unbelievable to listen to him watch a football game. We always joked that he should have been an NFL commentator as he would predict every call before the announcers would.  He also enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, hunting, bird watching and spending time with this family, especially his grandchildren. 

Jeffrey is survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Katie (Muller) Gaulrapp; his daughter Courtney (Gaulrapp) Vining, son-in-law Bryce Vining, grandson Coda J Vining and soon to be granddaughter, Peyton Marie Vining. Jeffrey also leaves behind his mother Marjorie Gaulrapp; his brothers and sisters, Craig (Debbie) Gaulrapp, Kevin (Patrice) Gaulrapp, Jane (Rick) Whitley, Corey (Leslie) Gaulrapp; mother-in-law Angela Muller; his brother and sister-in-laws, Chris (Lynne) Muller, Pat (Elaine) Muller, Greg (Lori) Muller, Eric Muller, Heidi (Dann) Boland, Anne Muller and Melanie Muller; along with many nieces and nephews and numerous extended family and friends.

Jeffrey is preceded in death by his father Clayton Gaulrapp, father-in-law Albert Muller, sister Joni Odenbach, brother-in-law Todd Odenbach and his granddaughter Hope Marie Vining, along with his grandparents. 

Cremation has taken place, and services will take place on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery at 11:00 am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The family will meet at Heritage Funeral Home at 10:25 am for the procession to the cemetery. Following the service is lunch at the family’s home. 

A special thank you to the many friends and family providing support through his journey and the Sioux Falls VA and VA community service providers. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home (www.heritagesfsd.com) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.