Memorial
John F. Tapken, 82, of Marion, passed away peacefully at home on May 12, 2025. A visitation will be held Thursday, May 15th 2025, from 4:00pm – 6:00PM at the Cedar Memorial Chapel State Room. A memorial service will be held at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories on Friday, May 16th, 2025, at 1:00pm. The burial will be at the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery immediately following the service.
Survivors include his loving wife of 30 years Lana, Daughters Tracy Sherzer (Steve) of Lisbon, IA, Erin Tapken (Jeremy Meyer) of Marion, IA; Step-Daughters Holly Gundacker of Seattle, WA, Tara Gundacker (Greg Buechele) of Maple Grove, MN; favorite grandson William John “Billy” Prat of Cedar Rapids, favorite granddaughter Audrey Mae Gundacker of Seattle, WA, and favorite bonus granddaughter Megan (Joe) McCallister, of Colorado.
Preceding him in death were his parents, sister Leona Neunaber and brothers Richard and Harvey Tapken of Anamosa.
John was born in Anamosa to Herman H. and Emma Grace (Dirks) Tapken on February 22nd, 1943. He attended a one room schoolhouse in Cass Center and graduated from Anamosa High School in 1961. He enlisted in the US Army and attended Ordinance School. As a soldier, he worked on the Hawk Guided Missile System. He began his insurance career in 1964, then founding the Tapken Insurance Agency with daughter Tracy. In 2009 they sold the business, beginning the chapter of John’s cherished retirement years.
John was a member of the Legion Post 298 in Marion, AMVETS Post# 82 in Hudson, IA and Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, IA. John always looked forward to his family reunions and gatherings with family and friends. John and Lana enjoyed wintering in Orange Beach, AL for over 10 years. He always said, “I will be sorely missed by all.”
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society.
Please join us for a Toast to Life/Happy Hour following the burial at Pitchers in Marion, 620 Lindale Drive.