Ethel M. Tapper

Ethel Kell Weiland Tapper age 90, Wausau, went to be with her Lord and her husband of 61 years, Myron "Mike" Tapper, on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at Wausau Manor Nursing Home, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. Ethel was born October 31, 1919 in Wausau, the youngest child and only daughter of Bernhard and Mathilda (Baumann) Kell. Her brothers were Ewald, Elmer, Alfred and Norman Kell. She lived almost all of her years in the Kell family home on Lincoln Avenue in Wausau. In 1938, she married Charles Weiland, who died in a tragic accident in 1943. In 1946, Ethel married Myron Tapper and began their 61 years of working together in many successful projects. They completely remodeled the home on Lincoln Avenue and they spent many hours of labor on their cottage, which brought enjoyment to both of them and their family. Ethel's family was important to her. Some of her favorite pastimes included, gardening, food preservation, baking, sewing and even tailoring coats, hats and suits for all of her children. She delighted in having all of her family gather and spent many hours with them, particularly enjoyed time with her brothers and their wives, and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Failing health required Ethel and Mike to leave their home for an apartment, where he died in 2007. Most recently, Ethel lived at Applegate Assisted Living and then Wausau Manor. She spent many hours there reading, which was her favorite activity. Survivors include three children, Judith (James) Guilbault, Necedah, Sharon (Robert) Zimmerman and Gary (Judy) Tapper, both of Wausau; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Esther Tapper, California, Mildred Tapper, Wausau and Beth (Turk) Flory, Weston; two brothers-in-law, Elroy (Mary Ann) Tapper and Gordon Tapper, both of Wausau; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family, all of whom have been very thoughtful of her over the years. She was preceded in death by her parents, both of her husband's; and her four brothers. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau. Rev. Joel Brandt will officiate. Burial will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau or Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Vicki Baker, the staff at Wausau Manor Nursing Home and the staff of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for all the wonderful care and support given to Ethel. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com