Edward W. Rapp, 99, of Conway, Arkansas, left this earth to be with his Savior on Friday, April 20, 2012, while under the tender care of the Dickins family, who use their home to assist families in end-of-life care. Ed was born August 19, 1912, in Pevely, Mo., to Edward G. and Mary E. (Heiner) Rapp. He is preceded in death by June – dearly loved wife of seventy-five years; brother Roland of St. Louis, MO; and sisters Eleanor Fleisher and Marie Shafer of Pevely, MO. He is survived by son Jerry (Judy) of Tomah, WI; son Michael (Sharon) of Conway, AR; son Eric (Irene) of Avoca, WI; foster daughter Debra Shephard of Pocatello, ID; seven grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. Four other children of Ed and June died soon after birth.
Ed’s death was swallowed up in the victory of the risen Christ, with whom he is now rejoicing. Even in his last months, Ed was able to enjoy the company of family and friends. He liked to relate stories from throughout his life, especially of his family as he grew up. He and June both could remember the names and situations of all of their classmates and friends. He lived through the Great Depression, which placed hardship on his and all families. He remembered his mother washing the clothes he wore one day, so he could wear them the next. Hard times taught Ed skills of determination, honesty, and faithfulness.
Ed began a teaching career at Koch Valley School, near Pevely, and then taught at Pevely Elementary School. He spent many years as a history teacher and then principal at Crystal City High School in Jefferson County, Mo. His love for his students bore wonderful fruit, and he and June enjoyed contact through the years with previous students. Ed was an athlete and scholar, completing an M.S.E. at Washington University, St. Louis. He had a life-long interest in history.
June and Edward met in the summer of 1935, when each of them took college classes to complete their teaching certificates at what was then Southeast Missouri State Normal School. They married on December 24, 1936, and raised their three sons on a farm near Pevely, Missouri, in a Civil War-era home that was built by Ed’s grandfather. Summer income was gained from the sale of strawberries that were raised on the farm. June and Ed were active members of the Lutheran Church in congregations in Missouri, Wisconsin, and Arkansas. June and Ed enjoyed their independence, and kept their own home until 2008, when they moved from Wisconsin, next door to their son, Jerry, to College Square Apartments in Conway, close to son, Michael. While residents at College Square, they greatly enjoyed new friendships with residents and staff.
As Ed’s health declined, he received special care from family and home-health aides, then care in institutional settings. The family is thankful for the love showed by many in their assistance. Patrick and Susan Dickens of Covenant Care and the Odyssey Hospice team provided great care to Ed in the last chapter of his life.
A memorial service will be held in the community room of College Square Apartments, 2421 College Avenue, in Conway on Wednesday, May 2, at 2:30 pm. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Vinyard Funeral Homes of Festus, Mo.,. Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Pevely, Mo.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made in Ed’s honor to Peace Lutheran Church or to a charity of choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Larry G. Acklin Funeral Home, 910 Walnut Street, Conway. 327-1124 "IN YOUR TIME OF NEED.....WE CARE."
