Willie A. "Bob" Rapp

Willie “Bob” Alfred Rapp was born September 7, 1925 to Willie H. and Alma (Schulke) Raap. He was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church for 89 years. Bob was baptized and confirmed at Zion and attended Zion Lutheran School through the eighth grade. He started working at a young age as times were hard before WWII. Bob was drafted in the Army in the fall of 1943 and began his term in January of 1944. He was atire rebuilder with the 4066th Quartermaster Truck Company in the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations stationed at Fort Richardsen, AK. Bob was honorably discharged in May of 1946 at the rank of Staff Sargent. On October 20, 1946, Bob married Frances LaVon Bennett the love of his life in Brandon, MN at Chippewa Lutheran Church. To this union three children were born, Jerry, Dennis and Jody. He loved roller skating and taking LaVon to big band dances at Lakeside Ballroom in Glenwood. Bob loved to waltz and was a very good dancer. In 1954, Bob and LaVon along with sister, Vi and brother-in-law, Andy purchased Interlachen Inn. They met many interesting people through the years and many friendships were made. They sold the Interlachen in 1984. Bob also had a bait and tackle business with cousin, Roger Schulke during the late 40’s and 50’s. He also had a business of buying and selling eggs and chicken’s for nearly 40 years, finally retiring in 1990. Since that time he has made numerous hunting and fishing trips with family back to Alaska. He was amazed by all the changes since being stationed there in 1946. Bob was a kind and gentle man. He loved spending time with his wife of 68 plus years. During this time days were filled with family picnics, hunting, fishing, entertaining and just spending time at deer camp and the lake cabin. Bob lost his battle to cancer on January 23, 2015 at Bethany Home in Alexandria at the age of 89. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, LaVon of Alexandria; sons, Jerry (Jane) Rapp and Dennis (Karen) Rapp both of Alexandria; daughter, Jody (Don) Johnson of Henning; grandchildren, Lane, Robbie (Michaela), Maggie (Ben) Jeremy, Kim (Dave), Jamie (Ryan), Jesse (John), Ben (Stacey), Julie, Jeffrey, and Ulli; great-grandchildren, Tatum, Ian, Riley and Peter; along with several cousins, nieces and nephews. Also he is survived by his German family, Sabina, Jürgen, Christian, and Ulli; and special hunting and fishing family friend, Don Borgman. Bob is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Vi (Andy) Hanak, Margaret “Trixie” (Dick) Quitmeyer; brother, Gerald (Wilma) Raap; and many cousins. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at Zion Lutheran Church with Reverends David Hinz and Geoff Gronewold officiating. Interment was held at Kinkead Cemetery. Military Honors were provided by Alexandria Veterans Memorial Unit. Memorials are preferred to the Zion Lutheran Church Building Fund.

Willie A. "Bob" Rapp

September 7, 1925 - January 23, 2015