Charles William Clapp Jr.

life story

Psalm 136:1

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

His love endures forever.

Charles “Charlie” William Clapp Jr. was born December 23, 1929, to Charles and Tena (Eilers) Clapp on the family farm near Canby, MN. He grew up in Canby with his parents, six older sisters and one younger brother. He attended school in Canby, graduating from Canby High School. After high school, he worked in the Canby area until getting drafted into the army. He served in the army for two years and returned home to marry his sweetheart, Lucille Mether, on December 2, 1953. After marrying, He attended barber school in Minneapolis and continued to use those skills throughout the years. He and Lucille were blessed with five children. The family moved out of the Minneapolis area, following his entrepreneurial spirit. Barbering was the skill that provided for the family while he tried his hand at other opportunities. Charlie eventually settled his family on a farm near Hendricks, MN. After their youngest child graduated, they moved to Dickenson, ND. They were able to spend time traveling and visiting with their children before starting on a new career doing management and maintenance for retirement apartments, first in Denver, CO then in Marshall, MN. Due to declining health, in October 2023, Charlie and Lucille moved back to the Minneapolis area to live with their daughter. He passed away at home, with family near on February 24, 2024.

Charlie was raised to know and serve the Lord and he did that faithfully wherever he lived. He was always very active in the churches he attended and served on the boards of many of them. He raised his children in the church and taught by example the dedication owed to our Lord and Savior. He served for many years with the Gideons International, an organization that distributes Bibles around the world. He delivered New Testaments to local schools and spoke in local churches. He would bring New Testaments on vacation to give to those he encountered and enjoyed his discussions with them.

Charlie had a great sense of humor and loved to joke and tease with family and friends. He enjoyed spending his Sunday afternoons “watching” the Minnesota Vikings, although his snores sometimes drowned out the commentary. He enjoyed being busy and worked as long as he was physically able.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years and his children, Eileen (Ray) Steenhoven, Blaine, MN, Kevin Clapp, Andover, MN, and John (Julie) Clapp, Walnut Grove, MN, daughter-in-law Cindy (Michael) Clapp, Gillette, WY, son-in-law Orrin (Kathleen) Hintz, Andover, MN, 13 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings in addition to son Michael Clapp, Gillette, WY, daughter Kathleen Hintz, Andover, MN, and grandson Cody Clapp, Gillette, WY.

memorial service

Memorial Service

March 9, 2024

Victory Life Church 13720 Lincoln St NE STE B, Ham Lake, MN 55304, USA

There will be a time of visitation for one hour before the start of the service.

A meal will be served after the service.