Kenneth Rapp

1936 - 2022

Kenneth Rapp, 86

May 26, 1936 - December 5, 2023

Kenneth Rapp passed away on December 5, 2023 at the age of 86. He was born in Butte on May 26, 1936, to Walter and Lillian Rapp. He attended Emerson Elementary, East Middle School and Butte High School. While he was in junior high and high school, he spent many hours helping his dad at the Ford Dealership here in Butte. He went on to college at Montana State University, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, and subsequently graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. He married Joann McCarthy at the Immaculate Conception Church on June 13, 1959. Together they had five children.

He went to work for the Montana Department of Highways, starting first job in Butte, then later moving to Helena to work in the bridge bureau for the Highway Department. He was awarded a promotion with the Highway Department, which moved his family to Miles City. Miles City ended up being his all-time favorite city. In 1979, he took the District Engineer job for Butte and Bozeman - once again moving his family back to Butte. He took great pride in being a Civil Engineer and retired after a fulfilling 34 years with the Highway Department.

Ken had many favorite projects over his many years with the Highway Department. The Yellowstone River Bridge on the way to Glendive, The Flathead River bridge by Polson, as well as the reconstruction of the highway between Butte and Helena in 1985 just to name a few.

Ken enjoyed fishing and hunting in his younger years. He loved to bowl, participating in bowling leagues for many years in Miles City as well as Butte. Later, he developed a love of golf which he enjoyed with his family and, eventually, with some of his grandchildren. One of his favorite hobbies was keeping meticulous records on many topics, most notably the weather. You could find him every morning at the breakfast table with a cup of coffee and his Farmers' Almanac by his side. He could tell you anything you ever wanted to know on this topic. He enjoyed spending time with his family whether watching football, basketball or just simply hanging out, the time together is what mattered.

Ken was old school - his primary goal was to provide for his family, which he took great pride in and did with remarkable dedication. Secondly, he made sure we were tough enough to survive on our own after college and beyond. He and our mom provided us with everything we needed and gave us the know-how to work hard for thing we wanted.

Ken is preceded in death by his mom, dad and brother, Gary. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joann, and his five children: Dave Rapp, Kathy Rotondi, Jerry Rapp (Andrea), Colleen Kenneally (Mike), Mike Rapp (DeLisa) and his grandchildren: Rachel Rotondi, Meghann, Eric, and Emilee Kenneally and Annika and Katelyn Rapp.

A private service for Ken will take place at a later date.