Clarabelle Gapinski

Clarabelle Gapinski, 100, went to be with her lord in heaven on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. 

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Saturday at First Baptist Church in LaSalle, IL with Rev. Josh Engel officiating.  Visitation will be in the church from 11:00 AM until time of services.  Burial will follow at Peru City Cemetery. Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle is assisting the family with arrangements.

Clarabell was born in Calvin, ND on February 23, 1921 to Nicholas and Grace (Bland) Hubert. She married John Gapinski in 1941, and he died in January of 1979. Clarabelle was a fun-loving soul with many friends all around the world.  She raised and is survived by eight children, Donna (Dick) Walton Mt. Vernon IL, David (Butch) Peru, John (Mary) Spring Valley, Jim (Rose) Westfield IN, Joe (Julie) Westfield IN, Dan (Chris) Peru, Joy (Ken) Jaraczewski Mark, IL Tim (Sherri) Westfield, IN.  Twenty-eight grandchildren, one preceded her in death (Amanda Gapinski) and 32 great grandchildren.

Clarabelle got her LPN license at IVCC in 1976 and worked as a nurse at Peoples Hospital/IVCH for 28 years.  Many people remembered her for the time she worked in OB and delivered their babies.  She later went on to the medical floor.  She was a nurse for Hospice and also provided in home care to many people in the Illinois Valley.  She also volunteered with the American Red Cross in Peru for over 30 years. 

Clarabelle was a member of First Baptist Church of LaSalle for 70 years.  She loved her church family, fellowship and the Missionaries.  She was a leader in the ladies Missionary Circle for many years and helping them was a priority in her service.  She also served as a nurse for the children’s summer camp at Camp Manitoumi in Low Point, IL for many summers.  She loved this camp.

Clarabelle has touched many lives in special ways in her 100+ life.   We would love to have anyone share their memories and thought about her at the funeral home website.

The family asks that in this uncomfortable time with the pandemic anyone wishing to attend the services please wear a mask and refrain from personal contact if possible.

Memorials may be directed to Camp Manitoumi in Low Point, IL. 

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