Delbert Taapken

(1925 - 2011)

Delbert I. Taapken, 86 of Petersburg passed away Sunday, December 25, 2011 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. He was born September 28, 1925 in Chandlerville, the son of Henry and Stella (Bell) Taapken. Delbert married Alice L. Ingham on September 2, 1960 in Springfield. She survives.

Also surviving are his children, Ronnie (Fran) and Ernie (Krista) Taapken. Sisters Roberta Curry and Ethel Jones. Two grandchildren Allyson and Peyton Taapken. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and eight sisters.

Delbert was a WWII Veteran. He was a life long farmer and also worked for the Illinois State lottery. He and his family enjoyed showing Hackney, Shetland and Welsh ponies throughout the midwest as well as showing at Madison Square Gardens in New York City and Syracuse, NY. He was a member of the Land of Lincoln Purebred Livestock Breeders Association, Illinois Horse and Pony Breeders and Exhibitors Association and the American Shetland Pony Club.

Funeral Service will be Friday, December 30, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, with the Rev. Dan Roseberry officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, December 29, 2011 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the funeral home and will continue Friday for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Steenberger Cemetery, Mt. Pulaski.

Memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Hospice. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is in care of arrangements.