MALTA – Surrounded by his entire immediate family, Elvin E. Plapp, 90, of Malta, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 9. He was born in Rochelle on June 27, 1931 the son of the late William and Martha (Woltman) Plapp. On June 23, 1962 in Elgin he was united in marriage to Betty L. Koch. They enjoyed 55 wonderful years together. 

Elvin grew up in Malta and graduated as valedictorian from Malta schools. Upon graduating from high school, he briefly attended Northern Illinois University and the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. When Elvin returned home in 1950, he had the opportunity to run the farm owned by Harvey Schweitzer. Elvin grew his farm by purchasing additional acreage in the Northwest Malta area. Farming for 70 years, Elvin retired after harvesting his final crop in 2020.

In 1953, Elvin reported to US Army basic training. He served in the Korean War in an artillery unit stationed near the DMZ at the Korean border. He was honorably discharged in June 1955. 

After a blind date set up by his sister, Elvin met Betty at a Blackhawks game. On Dec. 25, 1961, Elvin asked Betty to marry him after carrying the ring around in his pocket for weeks as he was nervous to ask for her hand in marriage.

In addition to farming, he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, traveling, making things for his grandchildren and collecting Farmall tractors (working and toy) and other farm implements. On July 3, 2021 the Plapp Family Agricultural Heritage Museum was dedicated at a wonderful 90th birthday celebration attended by over 100 family and friends.

Elvin was very active at Northwest Malta United Methodist Church including holding the office of treasurer for over 40 years and Mission Coordinator for many years. 

Elvin is survived by two sons; Larry (Kathie) of Delavan, Wisconsin and Rick (Gina) of Carmel, Indiana; three grandchildren, Megan Plapp of Rochester, Minnesota and Audrey and Evan Plapp of Carmel, Indiana; his brother, Edgar of DeKalb and a sister, Shirley Hudson, of Lakewood, Colorado. Elvin is also survived by his special friend and caretaker, Laurie Sarver of DeKalb. 

Preceding Elvin in death was his beloved Betty and his parents. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, Aug. 20 from 4-7 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Malta United Methodist Church on Saturday, Aug. 21 at 11 a.m. with a short visitation preceding the service from 10-11 a.m. 

Memorials may be made to the Plapp Family in care of Anderson Funeral Home, Ltd., P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth St., DeKalb, IL 60115. 

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.