John Milo Raplinger

1937 - 2026

John Raplinger passed away on January 16, 2026 at the age of 88. Cause of death was complications of Alzheimer's disease compounded by a flu infection and pneumonia.

John was born in North English, Iowa on May 28, 1937. His mother Coral Raplinger was a teacher and later a homemaker. His father was a postal worker, banker, and finally an insurance agent. The family lived, and John grew up, in the family home located in South English, Iowa.

John attended high school in North English, Iowa. He competed in the Iowa High School Music Association contest where, in two different years, he was awarded highest honors for his talents as the solo vocalist in his division. John attended Iowa Wesleyan University graduating in 1957 with a degree in psychology, and then later went on to achieve his masters degree in sociology at the University of Iowa. John was a veteran of the Army as a Medical Specialist and later the Air National Guard.

John's career in personnel (human resources) included employment with Archer Daniels Midland, Donaldson's Manufacturing, Washington Scientific, Supervalu, County Seat, and finally the The Minnesota Department of Human Resources.

John was active in DFL politics volunteering and supporting local, state, and federal candidates. He and his wife, Marilyn received the DFL Hubert Humphrey award in 2000. He also served on AFSCME retirees counsel for many years.

John traveled widely including New Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, skiing in the Rockies and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and fishing trips to Canada. He also traveled to Europe many times with his wife, Marilyn, to England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Denmark, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, as well as Costa Rica. He hiked, with his son Robin, in the Snowdonia Mountains of Wales, the Highlands of Scotland, as well as traveling with Robin in France up the Seine River from Normandy to Paris. Summer vacations often included stays at Lake Gogebic in the Upper Peninsula Michigan and Lake Vermilion in Minnesota where he loved to water ski and accompany Marilyn on her fishing expeditions. At home, he loved to read, feed and watch birds and wildlife, or spend time in the yard and garden.

John was tenacious and hard-working. He was concerned with the welfare of his fellow human beings, and worked to improve those conditions. He was also fun-loving, whether it be hosting guests at home, family vacations, or going out to dance with his wife, Marilyn at the Halls Brothers Emporium of Jazz.

He was appreciative of the care he received at Highview Hills memory care. He appreciated the opportunity to have lunches with his wife, Marilyn through the efforts of Assisted Transport MSP and Right At Home PCA services.

John is survived by his son, Robin Raplinger (Deanne Hart).

John was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; and by his parents, Coral and Howard Raplinger; his brother, Donald Raplinger; and his sister, Jean Raplinger.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 23, at 11:00am at Washburn-McReavy Bloomington Chapel, 2300 W. Old Shakopee Road. A visitation will be held for one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: Planned Parenthood of MN, National Audubon Society, or Twin Cities Public Television.