Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Gerald Rapp Obituary
Family-Placed Obituary
RAPP Sr., Gerald D. "Jerry" Age 72, of Dayton, passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2005. Jerry was born at Berwyn, NE on July 19, 1933 to the late Mildred A. & Kenneth P. Rapp and attended elementary and high school in Tekamah, NE. A graduate of the University of Missouri at Columbia, School of Business in 1955 and of the University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor Michigan in 1958. Jerry served as an officer in the U.S. Army J.A.G.C. office at Ft. Bliss, TX from 1958-1960. He practiced law in Dayton from 1960 until 1970 with the law firm of Smith & Schnacke before joining the Mead Corporation in 1970 to the Corporation's first internal general counsel's office. In addition to briefly serving Mead as its V.P. for Human Resources and Chairman of Mead Data Central, Inc. (Lexis Nexis) during the 1970's, Jerry was also Mead's Chief Legal Officer, Secretary of its Board of Directors, and Sr. Vice President when he retired in 1990, after which he was appointed counsel to the Mead Board of Directors for a two year period. Following retirement from Mead, Jerry was of counsel of the Dayton law firm of Bieser, Greer, and Landis and served as a legal and business consultant for several international corporations. He especially enjoyed the time spent around Durango, CO with family at Tamarron and their Weber Canyon Ranch near Mesa Verde. He is survived by his beloved partner and friend, Marilyn Seibert Allen, and his beloved children (by his former wife, Jane C. Thomas) and their families: son, Jerry Rapp, Jr., daughter-in-law, Anne Rapp and grandchildren, Kyle, Barry and Emily of Durango, CO; son, Gregg Rapp of Palm Springs, CA; and daughter, Amy Frances Wanzek, son-in-law, Steve Wanzek, and grandchildren, Jamie, Jane and Riley of Durango, CO, and his beloved friend, and surrogate son, Vitaly Potapenko. He is also survived by his two sisters and brothers-in-law, Jean and Donald Speck of Tekamah, NE and Elizabeth Ann (Beth) and Richard Smith, of SD and many nieces and nephews, as well as members of the Seibert family in TX. Jerry had been a member of the American Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, Dayton Bar Association and served on the boards of Big Brothers of Greater Dayton, Oakwood Youth Commission, Urbana College, Ohio Center for Leadership Studies, Robert Greenleaf Servant Leadership Center, the President's Visitors Committee for University of Michigan Law School, Dayton and Montgomery County Public Library, and Co-Chair National Committee for Fair Compensation for the Federal Judiciary branch. He had been a member of Moraine Country Club, Dayton Racquet Club, Dayton Bicycle Club, Ye Buz Fuz Club, Dayton Lawyers Club, the Metropolitan Club of Washington, D.C., Phi Kappa Psi, Beta Gamma Sigma, and Phi Delta Phi. Burial will be in Tekamah, Nebraska. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 239 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, Ohio with Pastor William Miller officiating. Following services a reception will be held for family and friends at Neil's Heritage House, 2323 Schantz Ave., Oakwood from 2-5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial contributions may be made to Project Blessing - Meals for the Homeless c/o St. Paul Lutheran Church, 239 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45402 or Dayton and Montgomery County Public Library, 215 East Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402-2108. Arrangements in care of Routsong Funeral Home, Oakwood Chapel. Condolences and or flowers may be sent to the family via the funeral home's website at www.routsong.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Rapp
SCOTT SMITH
March 26, 2006
JERRY WAS MY UNCLE AND WILL BE MISSED VERY MUCH BY MYSELF AND MY ENTIRE FAMILY
The Best Dad in the Universe! Sept 2001
December 12, 2005
Marilyn & Dad, Sept 2001
December 12, 2005
Grandchildren and Steve Wanzek, Aug. 2003 Durango
December 12, 2005
Amy Jo Rapp Wanzek
December 12, 2005
Dad’s Burial
My journal, dedicated to those who were not able to attend the burial, and share a love for Dad.
Tekamah, Nebraska is the most adorable little town in all of America. The night before the burial, the weather was high of 7 degrees and the wind blew as it snowed. We all knew, we had to bundle up for the service at Dad’s grave, which was to take place the next morning at 10AM, Tuesday, December 6th, 2005. Morning arrived, with the sun beaming in the pretty blue sky, with temperatures of around 5 degrees. Dad must have had a talk with Mother Nature and the Lord, suggesting to ‘cool it on the wind and blowing snow in Tekamah, because a special ceremony was going to take place the next day, and it was in his honor’. Therefore, they listened to Dad and followed through with his request. As we all know, Dad’s mighty words of suggestive advice was always the best policy.
As I walked around the grave site before the services, all I could do is picture this quaint little town in the warmer months, with the green rolling hills and trees full of leaves and thought about what a beautiful place he chose year ‘round, to rest his body. Also, what a nice place for the setting of a near future memorial service, to hold for those close to him, whom were not able to attend on this day. I look forward to making pilgrimages to this wonderful spot, forever during my lifetime.
During the burial, my Aunts, Jean and Beth, wanted to hear the words I spoke at this funeral. Therefore, Gregg, me, Jerry and Marilyn all spoke words of kindness about Dad. Gregg read a poem about ‘Please do not weep at my grave’. Dad’s darling sisters, bless their hearts, sat under the tent, crying over their loss of their loving brother, while seated in chairs next to cousin Judy who had driven up from Texas, to attend the services. Don and Dick, stood behind their wives’ chairs mourning the loss of their brother-in –law. Kyle grieved for his Grandpa under the tent too, while wearing Dad’s most favorite leather jacket.
After the burial, we went to Jean and Don’s house and dined on supper and visited with Dad’s maternal Price family cousins from Iowa. Memories were shared to and by all of Dad. Then it was time to say our goodbyes to our Rapp family relatives and be on our ways- Jerry, Gregg & Kyle to Iowa to visit cousin Leon. Whereas, Marilyn and I drove right back up to the cementary on the beautiful hill, where Dad’s body lay. Dad’s coffin had been buried with frest dirt atop of it, with steam arising from the dirt into the cold air. We walked around the special spot and I touched the dirt. Setting on the side of the dirt, I noticed a dirty clump of snow in the shape of a heart. I picked it up and placed it on top of Dad’s grave. Marilyn arrived back from the cemetay’s boundry line that is marked with a long row of large pinetrees, about 75 feet from Dad’s grave, with 2 pine tree limps about 16 inches in legnth and placed them in an ‘X’ position, on top of Dad’s grave. We took pictures of the awesome views surrounding the grave site, spoke some words, dried our eyes and then proceeded to the Tekamah Museum, with muddy shoes. (It was the first time in my life that I cheerished the mud on my shoes)
At the museum, we were greeted by a few women. They all knew Dad, either from his previous visits to the museum or from attending school in Tekamah with him. Mare & I toured the Christmas decorated museum, with a private tour guide. The museum not only included a Hoot Gibson section but also holds a Senior picture of Dad’s graduating class. He certainly was a handsome 17 year old, with the looks that Barry Rapp has today. Following the 45 minutes of our visit at the museum, Marilyn and I once again got into the rental car. We went to the local drug store and bought ‘Tekamah’ postcards. We walked to the grocery store and I purchased a ‘Tekamah’ sweatshirt. Then drove to the Omaha airport on the 2 lane highway, in the heartland of America, where Dad’s heritage began, on the very same country roads he had traveled as a boy and throughout his life, while visiting his sister’s and families in his hometown.
As we arrived at the airport and checked our bags, it was time to say goodbye. We embraced before we physically departed our separate ways in the country but knowing we are mentally and spiritually together. All of us, who hold a special place in our hearts for Dad, are spiritually connected to one another. It’s another aspect, we are all fortunate to obtain from him, during his lifetime.
As Dad would say:
“Go Blue!”
“Go V!”
Now, I am sure he is above, saying:
“Go all of you, who I admire and love, to eternity!”
By, Amy Jo (aka: Amy Frances Rapp Wanzek)
December 9th, 2005, Durango, Colorado
Amy Jo Rapp Wanzek
December 12, 2005
My Loving Dad
My Dad…….
To him, I was, ‘Amy Jo’ or he called me ‘My Little Darlin’……….
There is something that I have held, deep inside me, since I was a little girl. It’s this huge feeling of being the luckiest perrson on this earth. And it’s because Jerry Rapp is my Dad. I still can’t believe how fortunate I am, to be his little girl. I am so glad my Dad knew of this feeling. I told him over & over about it, either thru poems I wrote him or told him straight out.
I know for a fact, that everybody here today shared a laugh with my Dad. He was the funnest person to be with! No matter the circumstance, I know the times you spent with him, there most likely wasn’t one time, you didn’t crack a smile with him. He represented more sunshine than a million equators, all put into one.
He was a genuine person.
He had many unselfish qualities within himself, as we all know. And if I spoke about all of them, we’d be here until the next Michigan/Ohio State Game. So, I’d like to share a little something with you all that Dad recently emailed my daughter, Jamie. Jamie is working on a badge titled “Being My Best’ in Girl Scouts. One of the assignments, to earn the badge, is to ask a family member to share some encouraging ‘words’ that they lived, throughout their life. She decided to ask the wisest person she knew- her ‘Pa Pa’. This is the (email) reply Dad sent Jamie towards helping her earn the badge. It was sent on Monday morning, November 7th, 2005.
Dear Jamie: While I was growing up there were several words and expressions from family members and friends that encouraged me to develop certain personal traits or influence my conduct. I recall some as follows: Happy go lucky------When referred to as being this way, ,it influenced me to have a sunny personality and helped to overcome the pettiness of those around me. Hard Worker-------When known as a hard worker, you earn the respect of others and it also prevents laziness. Friendly-------Everyone enjoys to be around a friendly person and it feels good to make those around you feel good. Kindness----It feels great when we know we are being kind to someone else, and besides,we want to treat others as we would like to be treated. Happy-------Being happy always felt good to me, since whether we are happy or grumpy is only a matter of our attitude [over which we have control ], why not choose hapiness? Loyalty-----I found a great deal of satisfaction from loyalty both to me from others as well as my loyalty to others.Besides being a true test of friendship , it aided in feeling a part of ,and contributing toward a stronger,. more effective team..which is important in sports and at work. Never Give Up-------Learning to overcome obstacles, having patience and perseverance is also important for success at school and in sports. Jamie, I hope this will be enough words and is responsive to your request. Best of luck-----Love you much, Pa Pa
Dad was a wonderful role model to the many lives he touched in his beautiful life. May he always live in everyone’s hearts and minds, forever and ever!
Eulogy given by Amy ‘Jo’ Frances Rapp Wanzek.
Margo Clutter
December 11, 2005
Dear friends Gregg and Jerry,
What a legacy your father left for you and the family. Please accept and extend my sincere sympathy.
My prayer is that God will give you His grace and comfort.
Casey Colley
December 9, 2005
Gregg and Family I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am glad that your fathers stay at Hoot Gibson's home in Palm Springs brought him some fond memories. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Your friend Casey
Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!
steve hedge
December 9, 2005
To the entire Rapp Family,Friends,& Relatives, I'm so sad, but happy to say Jerry was a friend of mine! There is a Santa in heaven I will never forget.
Bill Seebeck
December 4, 2005
Today, there is a hole in our universe. Someone that we have known, worked with, lived with, cared for and loved has passed. We are left with the spirit of Jerry, that part of him that touched each of us in a special way. From now on, we will walk the rest of our days with the memories of the history of our time with him.
Today, we celebrate his life and send our love to all the members of his family.
For myself, thank you Jerry for the kindness and support you always gave to me when we worked together at Mead.
Corilee Christou
December 3, 2005
Jerry wasto a true ally of Mead Data Central providing support, guidance, and his own special brand of wisdom. He was a great help to all of us working in Sales and Marketing especially in the early growth years of the MDC services.
He will be missed!
My deepest sympathy to his friends and family.
Corilee Christou
Reed Business Information (former LexisNexis from 1983 - 1999)
Bob Kunio
December 3, 2005
Hi Marilyn,
You don't know me but Gerry was both my client and "rainmaker" when I was a sales director at MDC in the late 80's. He was never too busy to take a request from us to open a door in one of the many firms he did business with. He was a great guy!
the "serious" Jerry
mary jean kotleba
December 3, 2005
To my dear,dear friend Gregg and his wonderful family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting and getting to know Jerry Sr. over the last six years. I am so sorry for your loss. Mary Jean Kotleba
Beverly Gerdes-Kurys
December 2, 2005
Marilyn,
From our family to yours, our heartfelt sympathy on this tragic loss. Our prayers are with you.
Thomas and Beverly (Gerdes) Kurys
Rudy Platzer
December 1, 2005
Dear Marilyn,
We share your grief in this tragic loss. You are foremost in our thoughts. We will be here for you to help you in any way possible.
Your loving neighbors,
Ruth, Rudy and Kenneth
Dave and JoAnn Milton
December 1, 2005
Dear Marilyn,
Dave and I send our sincere sympathy to you and to Jerry's family. I want you to know that our prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Dave and JoAnn
Anthony Vradelis
December 1, 2005
Marilyn, Jerry, Jr., Greg and Amy: Each of you and your families have our deepest condolences on the loss of your partner, father and friend. Jerry was a unique human being and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him well.
Karmen and Tony Vradelis
Don and Sharon ~ Donnie and Lorrie
December 1, 2005
Marilyn and family
We just wanted you to know that we love you dearly and that our thoughts and prayers are always with you.
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Make a Donation
in Gerald Rapp's name
Memorial Events
for Gerald Rapp
Funeral services provided by:
Routsong Funeral Home & Cremation Services6 Oakwood Ave, Dayton, OH 45409
How to support Gerald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gerald Rapp's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
