1949-2026
Lester Arthur Tappendorf, 76, of Bellefontaine, passed away Tuesday morning, June 2, 2026, at Mary Rutan Hospital.
Lester was born on September 7, 1949, in Vandalia, Illinois, to the late Theodore and Elnore (Milleville) Tappendorf. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn (Craig) Tappendorf, a granddaughter, Emma Westphal, sister Helen Tappendorf, and brother-in-law David Ruppel.
Lester is survived by his second wife, Alice (Craig) Tappendorf; daughter Heidi (Kevin) Mellon of Peyton, Colorado; son Arthur (Nancy) Tappendorf of Bellefontaine; 6 grandchildren: Aaron (Isis) Tappendorf, Sarah (Raymond) Ferki, Noah (Reagan) Tappendorf, Rachel Tappendorf, Jacob Westphal, and Joshua Westphal; 3 great-grandchildren: John, Grayson, and Joel Tappendorf; 2 step-great-grandchildren: Tommy and Allison Thompson; and sisters Lorene (Tom) Wilson of Fairborn, Ohio, and Mabel Ruppel of Springfield, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.
A veteran of the United States Air Force, Lester served during the Vietnam War and retired after 21 years of service. He was stationed at KI Sawyer AFB and also spent time in Holland and Germany. While stationed in Europe, Lester and his family spent time traveling, camping, and visiting several countries. Following his military retirement, he worked as an IT analyst for many years. Lester enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, woodworking, and fixing things – he had many projects that needed fixing.
Pastor Jack Heino will officiate Lester’s memorial service on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 11 am at Eichholtz & Daring Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine. Burial will be at a later date in Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans (www.help.dav.org)
EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Tappendorf family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com
