Robert Eugene "Bob" "Tap" Tapani, age 87 of Virginia, died Saturday, April 30, 2016 in his home, with family at his side. He was born Sept. 30, 1928 in St. Paul, MN, the son of Tauno and Pearl (Boggie) Tapani. He married Vera Clark in Long Beach, CA on June 13, 1955 and was a longtime Virginia resident. He was a Navy Veteran serving in WWII and the Korean War aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12) as a Boson's Mate; and served until an injury forced his retirement. Bob was a bookkeeper for McKenzie welding supply for 25 years, and later worked for American Grande Welding Supply. He was a member and frequent usher at Peace United Methodist Church in Virginia. He was an active supporter of all things "veteran". Bob was a member of the Crellin-Tini VFW Post # 1113 where he has twice served as Commander, Kolstad Chapter 23 of the Disabled American Veterans, La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Voiture Locale 634 (40&8), and the Yoki-Bergman Post # 220 of the American Legion in Mt. Iron. He was a Commander of the Virginia Servicemen's Honor Guard, helped with the Veteran's Memorial, participated in an Honor Flight, and was very active in the clothing drive and cooking fundraisers for all veteran's organizations. Bob played hockey and Fast Pitch softball and once got to play against Eddie Feigner "the King and his Court". He was a hockey referee, worked sidelines for High School football games, coached youth hockey, pony league football, and little league baseball, and bartended. He enjoyed music, especially attending his grandkid's concerts, watching the History channel, going to the Servicemen's Koffee Klotch and meeting the guys for Saturday morning breakfast at the Royal. Bob was well liked, well respected, had a quick wit, a great smile, and was welcoming to all.

Bob is survived by his wife Vera; children: Lisa Ann Tapani of Minneapolis, and Robert William (Lisa Marie) Tapani of Oakdale; grandchildren: Lauren Alana Tapani of Minneapolis, Eric Robert Tapani of Savage, and Holly Marie (Nathan) Otto of Eagan; great-grandchildren: Malachi Martin Martichuski, Xavier Samuel Martichuski, and Watson Everest Otto; half-sister: Bev French of Virginia, niece: Margiann Willet of Virginia; and nephew: Stephen French of Menomonie, WI; extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; half-brother Terry Toivanen, and nephew Jim French.

A gathering time for family and friends will be held Friday, May 6, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Peace United Methodist Church in Virginia. The Gathering time will continue Saturday, May 7 at 10:00a.m. The Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am at Peace United Methodist Church in Virginia. Pastor Mickey Olson will officiate. Inurnment will take place in Greenwood Cemetery. Full Military Honors will be accorded by the Virginia Servicemen's Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Friday May 6, 2016 , 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Peace United Methodist Church

Saturday May 7, 2016 , 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Peace United Methodist Church

Saturday May 7, 2016 , 11:00 a.m. at Peace United Methodist Church