William J. Lappen, 88, long-retired paper industry executive, local philanthropist and soon-to-be great-grandfather for the fourth time, died peacefully in his sleep on Oct. 31, surrounded by his family.
Throughout his life, William cultivated the love of beauty in nature and love of birds and dogs. He believed in finding solutions to any problems through creativity, study and perseverance.
He attended Clemson University in South Carolina in the master gardener program and applied his insights to improve the environment, particularly at his local golf course where, after retirement in 2001, he installed and maintained over 70 birdhouse systems, and also founded the popular Senior Golf Monday League in ‘02.
Many other philanthropic contributions include Oconto County Commission on Aging, Lions Club board, helping with handicap access at Packer games, Salvation Army charities and support of many veterans causes. He also founded the Fox River Hunting Club.
Bill was born on Sept. 14, the youngest of four boys to Alma (Borree) and Joseph Lappen, in Kaukauna in Outagamie County. An industrious boy, he worked a paper route in the early morning hours before school at St. Mary’s, delivering over 100 papers and often mentioning how he stopped to marvel at the homes with TV sets alight! In high school, he assisted in leading his baseball team, The Ghosts, to a state championship victory as their starting (lefty) pitcher.
He was recruited by the White Sox to attend training in Florida, and at age 17, he traveled over 40 hours by bus to reach the tropical Floridian destination he described as “paradise,” noting the sunshine, scent of orange blossoms and palm trees. He vowed to return one day. In the off-season, he played ball in Canada with athletes from the Maple Leaf’s hockey team.
In 1955, in family tradition, he joined the armed services and was stationed in Colorado and Louisiana. After returning home in 1960, he met Ellen Mary Kiley, and they were wed in holy matrimony on July 9 at St. Mary’s in Appleton.
Bill’s growing career in the paper industry created an opportunity to relocate in the late ’60s, as he moved from the laboratory at Thilmany to managing specialty chemical sales in Midwest and East Coast regions for Fleetwood and Solvox Chemicals. He chose to relocate to the pastoral, picturesque town of Oconto Falls, where he and Ellen raised their family before briefly early retiring to South Carolina in 1996.
Bill is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, botanical watercolor artist Ellen Mary Marguerite Kiley Lappen; parents, Alma and Joseph Lappen; brothers, Robert, Donald (wife Mary nee Martzel, deceased) and Glen (wife Pat nee Taylor, surviving) Lappen. He is survived by three children, Clare Marie Zaro, Joan Marie (Vaiana) and Joel John; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life from 11:30 a.m. to noon will be held at River Island Golf Course, 100 River Island Drive, Oconto Falls, on Saturday, Nov. 30. Starting at noon, Oral Roberts Pastor Matt Cornelius will say a blessing and The Honorable Jay Conley will offer the eulogy. A veteran memorial presentation of the flag and playing of the traditional taps will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests something “Dad” would want — please feed the birds this winter. He would often laugh and say, “Birds are people, too!”
Rest in peace, WJL. You were very loved. A special thank you to Visiting Angels, Angela, Denise, whose dedication and support was amazing.
William J. Lappen
