Zapf, Lowell 'Soapy'

Lowell “Soapy” Zapf, 92, of Littleport, died Friday, Sept. 10, 2010, at the Elkader Care Center.

He was born May 9, 1918, in rural Littleport, the son of J.P. and Hazel (Meder) Zapf. He attended school in Littleport, graduating with the Littleport High School Class of 1936. Lowell then attended the University of Iowa, graduating with a degree in business in 1940. While at the university, he was a member of the baseball team.

Lowell was united in marriage to Dorothy Hunter on Oct. 29, 1941. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II in the 106th Division. He was captured in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, and became a POW in Germany until the end of the war. Lowell was in business with his father in the J.P. Zapf and Son Stockyards. He also owned Zapf General Insurance Agency and specialized in surety bonds for general contractors in Iowa. He was associated with the former Charles Young Bonding Agency in Waterloo, Iowa.

He loved all sports, especially playing with the Elkader Vets baseball team. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing. Lowell lived all his years in Littleport, building an ice skating pond, a soft ball diamond and a tennis court with this Littleport “buddies.”

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy of Littleport; his six children and spouses, Pat (Bob) Lehnertz of Iowa City, Peg (John) Staska of Iowa City, Tom (Marcia) Zapf of Iowa City, Anne (George) Fick of Prairie du Chien, Wis., J.P. (Cindy) Zapf of Littleport, Mike (Joni) Zapf of Littleport; eight grandchildren, Rod and (Blanca) Lehnertz, Dave (Katie) Lehnertz, Darin (Kim) Zapf, Amy (Bryon) Poggenmiller, Jessi (John) Searby, Courtney (Neal) Bentley, Kelly Zapf, Molly Zapf; 15 great-grandchildren; and many friends.

Lowell was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Bernadine Shields.

Because of his love of Littleport, the family requests memorials be made to Littleport Park Inc. or Littleport Sacred Heart Cemetery.

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Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Elkader, with the Very Rev. Paul R. Peters officiating. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Leonard Funeral Home in Elkader and one hour before mass at the church on Tuesday. Inurnment: A private family burial will take place at a later date.