David Bruce Paap, Sr.

Racine – David Bruce Paap Sr., 82, passed away at his residence on Saturday, March 29, 2014. He was born In Chicago, Illinois on August 15, 1931, son of the late John and Edith (nee: Morgenson) Paap. David was a Marine’s best friend and served with honor as a U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman attached to the Marine Corps base at 29 Palms, California and in Okinawa. While serving in the Navy he met his future bride, Colleen Coleman. They married on December 6, 1952 and relocated to Racine in 1955.

Dave enjoyed a long, successful career in sales beginning with Sears and Roebuck; and then as National Sales Manager for In-Sink-Erator. His family, however, was the most important factor in his life, and the enjoyment he received from his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew no bounds. He was a charismatic soul who made friends easily and was a true pleasure to know. He was a man of culture who was passionate about the arts, literature, history and music. He had a gift of storytelling that he engaged in with both loved ones and strangers. He found pleasure in the camaraderie of his fellow Korean War Veterans and his time with his “girls” at the infusion therapy center. He enjoyed working in his rose garden and a lifetime of rooting for the Chicago Bears.

Mr. Paap is survived by his children: David (Monica) Paap of Kansasville, Debbie (Dan) Tuttle, Jackie (Dave) Tuttle, Mary (Jeff) Hoffmann, Tom Paap all of Racine, John (Robin) Paap of North Fond du Lac, Chris (Kadee) Paap of Sturtevant, and Kathy (Jeff) Vogt of Yorkville; 25 grandchildren: Kevin, Laura (Dominic), Jamie (Tim), Leigha, Chris (Christine), Tim, Kellie (Paul), Tom (Katie), Cassie (Kyle), Jessie (Craig), Sam, Casey, Sadie, April (Alfonso), Ashley, Brian, Sean, Maggie (Dave), Brandon, Trinity, Taylor, Keith, Mitch, Danielle, Joel and Becca; 17 great-grandchildren: Kai, Jocelyn, Caiden, Riley, Cecily, Max, Joe, Zach, Kyla, Karma, Logan, Olivia, Koda, Grant, Leo, Isabel, Al, Nathan and Bella; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Barbara Paap of Racine, Marcie Wolff, Georgia (Wayne) Burlingame, LaVonne Sase, Dennis (Agnes) Coleman and Kathy (Ray) Rogers; nephew and nieces: Roger Paap of Raymond, Edie Wolter of Napa, California, and Cheryl Angelini of Racine; as well as many other relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Colleen; his brothers: John (Lucienne) Paap, and Dick Paap; sister: Jeanette (George) Smardon; daughter-in-law Jane Paap; brother-in-law Ronnie Coleman and nephew F. John Paap.

The family would like to acknowledge a heartfelt thanks to very special neighbors Mike and Karen Murphy for all they’ve done and been for our father.

Family and friends are invited to meet at St. Edward’s Catholic Church (1430 Grove Ave.) on Thursday, April 3, 2014 for a visitation from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. The celebration of his life and funeral mass will begin at 11 a.m. with Rev. Allen Bratkowski officiating. Interment and military honors will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation also will be held in the funeral home Wednesday evening from 5 p.m. to 7:30pm. Memorials to Chapter 227 of the Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA) have been suggested.