Vera Martha (Taylor) Gienapp

Vera Martha Gienapp, 104, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester.  She was born on March 8, 1921, in Masonville, the daughter of Forrest and Charlotte (Wright) Taylor. Vera was raised in Manchester and was a graduate of Manchester High School. After six weeks of training, she received her teaching certificate from the Iowa Teachers College. Vera began teaching at country school when she was 18 years old. She taught for six years before her marriage.

On April 21, 1946, Vera was united in marriage to Elvin “Bud” Gienapp in Baltimore, Maryland. Three children were born to this union. Vera was 25 when they married and she taught until she was 26, just before the birth of their first child. She and Bud farmed together until 1970. Vera and Bud enjoyed spending 20 winters together in Florida. The couple moved to The Meadows in 2012. They were able to celebrate 71 years of marriage until Bud’s death in 2017.

Vera was a charter member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. She enjoyed her winters in Florida with Bud, especially her time on the beach shelling. Vera liked flowers and enjoyed watching the birds. Vera had a great memory and was able to remember things that others could not. Vera gave inspiration to countless others by beating cancer at the age of 91. She loved her family and cherished spending time with them.

Survivors include her three children, Jim (Anne) Gienapp of Bonita Springs, Florida, Joyce (Steve) DeFrance of Mason City, and Rick (Barb) Gienapp of Iowa City; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bud Gienapp; three brothers, William (Iva) Taylor, Harry Taylor, Howard (Nell) Taylor; and an infant sister, Myrtle Taylor.

The family requests that memorials be directed to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Manchester, Hope Lodge in Iowa City, or Camp Courageous.

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