May 26, 1940 – June 9, 2024

Paul Herman Clapp, 84, of Rock Valley, Iowa, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Hegg Health Center of Rock Valley. A memorial service was held Friday, June 14, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Christian Reformed Church of Rock Valley with Rev. Henry Lengkeek and Rev. Jack Gray officiating. A private family burial was held prior to the service at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. 

Paul Herman Clapp, son of Herman and Minnie (Vermeulen) Clapp, was born May 26, 1940, at Volga, South Dakota. Paul attended Volga Public School from 1st-4th grade, Volga Christian School from 5th-8th grade, and graduated from Volga High School. Paul went on to attend South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. 

Paul briefly worked construction before teaching at Volga Christian School and then Leota Christian School. In 1963 while working at Volga Christian, Paul met Lila June Vander Pol. The couple married on August 19, 1966. In 1968, Paul and Lila moved to Oak Harbor, Washington, where Paul served as principal for Oak Harbor Christian School Junior High until 1972. From 1972-1977, Paul surveyed Whidbey Island and worked in real estate. Then in the summer of 1977, Paul and Lila, along with their daughters, Paula and Julie, moved to Rock Valley, Iowa, where they eventually welcomed their son, Michael. Paul worked for Hope Haven for 36 years. He managed group homes for 31 years and spent 5 years driving bus. Paul retired from Hope Haven in 2013.

Paul valued being a follower of Christ over all things. He would fervently be in prayer for his family. He was his grandchildren’s biggest fan and enjoyed attending their concerts and sporting activities. Paul was also an avid reader and enjoyed playing Snooker at the Senior Center. He was a fan of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits and Cleveland Indians baseball. Paul was an active member at Trinity Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley where he served in many roles throughout the years, including, elder, deacon, Sunday School teacher, and usher.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Lila; daughter, Paula (Mark) Van Dam of Edgerton, Minnesota, and their children, Katie Van Dam, Jacob Van Dam (fiancée Mikaya Herdle), and Joshua Van Dam; daughter, Julie (Jason) Van Beek of Crawford, Nebraska, and their children, Kristin (Tim) May and Levi Van Beek; and son, Michael (Jennie) Clapp of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and their children, Emily Clapp and Brooks Clapp; one brother, David (Carolyn) Clapp of Federal Way, Washington; Lila’s 5 brothers, Nelson (Joan) Vander Pol, Myron (Gladys) Vander Pol, Vernon (Mina) Vander Pol, Wilmar (Christine) Vander Pol, and Warren (Pat) Vander Pol; and many nephews and nieces.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Minnie; parents-in-law, Jacob and Agnes Vander Pol; and nephew, Kyle Clapp.