Otto Vap

Otto Vap, age 82, of rural Atlantic, passed away Friday, January 26, at the Atlantic Nursing and Rehab Center.Otto Julius Vap was born August 30, 1924 in Deweese, Nebraska, the son of Frank and Marie (Zlatovoski) Vap. He graduated from the Deweese Public Schools, received a BFA and MFA from Kearney State College and an Education Specialist Degree from Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan. Otto taught music in Alma and Pleasanton, Nebraska. Following his graduation from Wayne State University, he taught automotive mechanics in Roseville, Michigan and established the Automotive Technology Department at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, Michigan. He also taught in the penal institutions in Michigan, helping inmates to receive their GED.Otto served his country in the US Navy from 1942 to 1946 aboard the carrier, U.S.S. Tkanis Bay, seeing active duty on the Pacific front during that time. On August 28, 1952, he was united in marriage with Muriel Elaine Gregory in Holdredge, Nebraska. In 1960, Otto, Muriel and infant son, Steven, moved to Mount Clemens, Michigan where he studied at Wayne State University for his Doctorate Degree and taught in Roseville, Michigan. They moved to Traverse City in 1967 remaining there until 2002 when they moved to Atlantic, Iowa. Otto was a talented musician and shared his talent by performing with several popular dance bands of "The Big Band Era" while in high school and prior to joining the navy. These included Bobby Mills, Tiny Hill and others. Otto formed his own band, the Collegiates, while in college and continued to do arrangements and play with them into his retirement years. He truly enjoyed his music!Otto and Muriel both enjoyed their hobby of restoring and driving antique cars. They were very active in several antique car clubs, both in Traverse City, Michigan and nationally for over 35 years. He also loved fishing and would go as often as he could find someone willing to go with him.He is survived by his wife, Muriel of rural Atlantic, mother-in-law, Lois Gregory; brother-in-law, Jerry and Prudy Gregory of Atlantic; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janice and Lonald Patchin of Schleswig, Iowa; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Paul and Evonne Gregory of Sioux City, Iowa; a cousin, David Vap and wife, Loretta of Colorado Springs, Colorado; aunt-in-law, Roberta Johnson of Atlantic; uncle and aunt-in-law, Edward and Valerie Kauk of Minden, Nebraska; as well as four nieces, two nephews; four great-nieces and three great-nephews, children of the in-laws plus many friends here and abroad.Otto was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Marie Vap; his son Steven Otto Vap; father-in-law, Otis Gregory and sister-in-law, Janet Gregory in infancy.Cremation has taken place and memorial services for Otto will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2007, at 11:00 AM at the Roland Funeral ChapelFuneral InformationOtto Julius VapENTERED INTO RESTFriday, January 26, 2007At the age of82 years 4 months 26 daysBORNAugust 30, 1924Deweese, NebraskaFUNERAL SERVICESaturday, February 10, 200711:00 amRoland Funeral Home in Atlantic, IowaOFFICIATINGLonald Patchin SONGSHave I Told You Lately That I Love You?COMMITTAL SERVICEPendingFLOWER COMMITTEEPrudy Gregory