Gertrude Adele Clapper, 98, of Urbana, passed away at 6:18 P.M. on Monday, December 29, 2014 at Champaign County Nursing Home.

She was born on November 11, 1916 in Illiopolis, Illinois, to parents Alvin Paul and Ina Beatrice (Stuart) Bickenbach. In June of 1942 she married Maurice Raymond Clapper, he passed away on December 5, 1952. On July 29, 1967 Gertrude married Robert L. Clapper, he passed away on January 5, 2004. Also preceding her in death were her parents and one brother, Paul Bickenbach.

Surviving are her daughter, Judy (Ron) Reinhart of Urbana, her son, Steve Clapper of Rancho Cordova, California, three step-sons, Robert (Kathy) Clapper of Wheaton,  Charles (Gina) Clapper of San Diego, California and Thomas (Alison) Clapper of Naperville, four grandchildren, six step grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and five step great grandchildren.

Mrs. Clapper attended Illinois Normal University and received her B.A. degree in Business Education. She taught Business Education at Monticello High School for 15 years.

Mrs. Clapper enjoyed playing bridge and was a president of the Welcome Club, a member of the University Club of Champaign-Urbana, a guardian parent at Cunningham Children’s Home, and took an active part in activities at the Windsor of avoy. She was a member of Faith United Methodist Church of Champaign.

Memorial services will be held on April 11, 2015. Service times will be announced. Renner-Wikoff Chapel &Crematory in Urbana is in charge of arrangements. Contributions may be made in Gertrude’s memory to Cunningham Children’s Home, Monticello United Methodist Church or Faith United Methodist Church of Champaign. Condolences may be offered at http://www.renner-wikoffchapel.com .