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

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel in Urbana. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 2:00 P.M.-3:00 P.M. at the funeral home. The visitation and memorial service are open to the public. Burial will take place on Monday, April 13, 2015 at New Union Cemetery in Lincoln, Illinois.

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 Savoy. She was a member of Faith United Methodist Church of Champaign.

Contributions may be made in Gertrude's memory to Cunningham Children's Home, Monticello United Methodist Church or Faith United Methodist Church of Champaign.