John R. Gappa

John Roman Gappa, age 72 of Nerstrand, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

John was born on June 17, 1950, in Madelia, MN, the son of Paul and LaVonne (Rubedor) Gappa. He graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1968.

He married Millie Otto on December 4, 1976, at St. Pius V Catholic Church, Cannon Falls. He was a lifelong farmer, and in later years did some trucking. He also worked at Koch Refinery for 20 years and owned and operated Gappa Plumbing & Heating for 10 years.

In his younger years he enjoyed hunting. A man with a gentle nature and few needs, he truly enjoyed socializing with others, especially over coffee. It was not unusual to have him watch the corn dryers all day in the fall, with his coffee in hand!

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Millie; children, Becky Haugen (Joe Pagel) of Wanamingo, Chris of Dennison, Carrie (Jason) Archer and Scott (Becca), all of Cannon Falls; grandchildren, Bradley Haugen, Brenna (Daniel) Tovar, Bradley Archer, Mackenzie and Mason Farrington, Jaden Pagel, Brooklynn, Brynnlee, and Oaklyn Gappa; siblings, Steve of Kenyon, Ken (Debbie) of Cannon Falls, and Paulette (Gary) Gadient of Goodhue; in-laws, Dave (Laurie) Otto, Danny (Ann Marie) Otto, Karine Otto, and Cheri Otto, all of Welch, and Donny (Karen) Otto of Cannon Falls; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and LaVonne; brothers, Greg and infant Bruce; parents-in-law, Harold and Ida Otto; brothers-in-law, Harry and Paul Otto; sisters-in-law, Pauline Gappa, Jill Otto, and Christine Otto; and grandmother, Martha Schmidt.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 5 at 12:00 pm, with visitation from 9:00am – 12:00pm, at St. Pius V Catholic Church, Cannon Falls. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.  The mass will be livestreamed and available to watch below.

Active urn bearers will be his children. Honorary urn bearers will be his grandchildren.

In memory of John, memorials are preferred to donor’s choice.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION:  For those who would like to participate in John's service via livestream, you can watch the service on Friday, May 5 at 12:00 pm.  It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page, and click to begin.  Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service.  If you are having troubles with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.