Howard Leo Gappa

Howard Leo Gappa, 80, of Ashton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Emerald Nursing & Rehab Lakeview in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Paplin, at 10:30 am. The Rev. Richard L. Piontkowski will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery in Paplin. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 108 of Ashton.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church, with a 7 p.m. Rosary.

Memorials are suggested to “Friends of Paplin.”

Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.

Howard was born April 5, 1945, in Loup City, Nebraska, the son of Leo and Florence “Tina” (Ziola) Gappa. Howard grew up on the family farm west of Danniverke.

He attended Sherman County Rural School in the Ashton area before attending Ashton High School. Howard farmed at home until being drafted into the United States Army. Howard served his country during the Vietnam War era and was stationed in Germany.

After returning home from service, Howard married Cindy Grudzinski in September of 1977, in Paplin. To this union, five children were born.

Howard continued farming the rest of his life on his farm northeast of Ashton.

Howard enjoyed tinkering around in his shop, woodworking, and loved the occasional round of bowling.

Howard is survived by his children and spouses: Nick and Lindsay Gappa of Loup City; Pat and Amy Gappa of Loup City; Andy Gappa of Ashton; Candice Gappa and Josh Jensen of Elba; and Maureen “Reenie” Gappa and Aaron Sohl of Wymore, Nebraska. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Jaymeson Gappa, Ashlyn Gappa, and Jake Gappa; and one great-granddaughter, Enzleigh Gappa. He is also survived by his sisters: Renee Jonak of Ashton; Deloris and Jim Stanczyk of Ashton; Sharon and Dennis Pedersen of Polk; Maxine Lewandowski of St. Paul; and Linda and Jerry Polski of Elba.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, LeRoy Gappa; infant sister, JoAnn Gappa; and brother-in-law, Delbert Jonak.