He is preceded in death by his parents, Onnie and Ethel Tapio; brother, Norman; and sister-in-law, Jane.
Onnie is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Julie; children, Melissa (Craig) Boylan, Tricia (Eric) Menzhuber, Joshua (Aimee) Nutter, Anna (Mike) Brandel, Emma (Ryan) Urich, Brian (Alyssa) Tapio; beloved Papa to grandchildren, Tyler, Isabella, Teagan, Victoria, Miriam, Patrick, Audrey, Bennett, Joseph, Zachary, Lillian, Eleanor, baby girl Urich (due March 1st); sister, Joyce Thompson; brothers, John (Dorine), Roger (Anne), David, Steven Tapio; his mother-in-law and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Onnie considered his family most important and spent many years working hard to provide for them. He was supportive of all he loved and was the first to give a helping hand to anyone who needed it. From home remodeling to car repairs, Onnie was always there. He lived in the moment and made everything more fun by sharing endless smiles and laughs.
He loved to take road trips and enjoyed playing games, cards, and bowling. Fishing, hunting, and camping created many cherished memories with his family. Onnie was also a sports fan, and he realized his dream of having enough children to form his own ball team. He was a player, base coach, and proud fan of The Whole FamDamily for over 12 years.
Join us for visitation on Thursday, January 28th from 4-7 pm at Gearhart Funeral Home, 11275 Foley Blvd NW, Coon Rapids. We will be following Minnesota COVID mandates and guidelines; please wear a mask, practice social distancing, and frequently use hand sanitizer which will be available throughout the building. Our capacity is limited to 50% at this time - please be patient as we may ask you to wait in your vehicle until our indoor capacity will allow entrance. To ensure all visitors are able to pay their respects, please avoid mingling and be mindful of others who wish to visit.
Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, January 29th at Epiphany Catholic Church, 1900 111th Ave NW, Coon Rapids, with visitation from 9:30 - 10:30 am, and Mass at 10:30 am. Interment to follow at Epiphany Cemetery.
The Livestream of Onnie's funeral service will be visible when the introduction to the service begins, at approximately 10:20-10:25 am on Friday, January 29th, on the Gearhart Funeral Home Facebook page at the following link : https://www.facebook.com/Gearhart-Funeral-Home-161674110524345/posts This video will still be available on our page after the service for those who have missed the livestream. Please note you will not see the video LIVE until the service begins.
Fond memories, photos and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Tapio family. These condolences will be printed into a Tribute Book later this year for the family to keep.
