Thomas “Tom” Clapp age 83

Cold Spring
September 3, 1937 - December 3, 2020

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, July 12, 2021, at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Roseville, MN for Thomas “Tom” Clapp, PhD, age 83 who died Sunday, December 3, 2020, at his home in Cold Spring.

Tom was born on September 3, 1937, in Clinton, Kentucky to Hampton and Govie (Wright) Clapp.  He married Karen Rehnberg on August 28, 1976 in St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Roseville, MN. After high school Tom served as a jet engine mechanic in the U.S. Air force.  He earned his PhD from Texas A&M University and spent his teaching career at St. Cloud State University, where he was a professor of biology, specializing in botany.  He loved being outdoors and considered any day spent in his boat a good day, whether the fish were biting or not.  Tom and his wife, Karen biked all over Minnesota and after his retirement they joined several archaeology digs organized by the National Forest Service.  Tom enjoyed photography, painting, tying flies, and gardening, where he enthusiastically grew okra and other favorites from his childhood in the south.  He also returned regularly to Kentucky to visit family and friends and to enjoy fishing trips with his brother and sister.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; son, Jason (Heidi); grandson, Eli; brother, Dr. Bill (Lucille) Clapp of Morganfield, KY; sister, Jan (Bob) Roberson Stogner of Murray, KY; and his nephews and nieces.

Donations in memory of Tom may be made to the Tri-County Humane Society, St. Cloud, MN.

Thank you to Life Source for making Tom’s wishes to be an organ donor possible.

Arrangements are with Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring.