Willard Rappleye

09/11/1926 - 01/10/2026

Willard Fremont "Bill" Rappleye, born September 11, 1926, in Jackson, Michigan, passed at home on January 10, 2026, in the company of his devoted family. He was 99 years old. Bill and his beloved wife, Dolores (Dee), whom he married on September 29, 1951, raised 11 children on their family farm, leaving behind a profound and lasting legacy. Family gatherings were of the utmost importance to Bill and Dee. Together, Bill and Dee loved attending special events involving their grandchildren such as sports, graduations and farm visits. In his leisure time Bill enjoyed cutting wood with his boys, planting vegetables in his garden, traveling the world, photography and getting the family together on Earth Day to plant trees on the farm. Lastly Bill was an avid reader of all genre and he particularly loved historical literature.
After graduating from Jackson High School in 1944, Bill served his country by enlisting in the armed services to join his brothers in the European theater. The same year he enlisted in the Army, serving for two years, 17 months of that time was in the European theater. His upbringing on a farm south of Pleasant Lake made him a natural marksman, a skill he utilized as a BAR man for his unit. While stationed abroad, Bill's commitment to education began at the American University in England. As the war ended Bill received various medals including the Bronz Star, the Victory Medal, and the European Theater of Operations Medal for his service. Some of his various accomplishments are documented in the book, Win, Draw, Lose by Colonel Donald S. Ames Sr. of the United States Army.
After the war, Bill obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit in1951. Thereafter, he founded the Rappleye Law Firm. He enjoyed a long and prestigious career in Litigation, Criminal Defense, Workers Compensation and Personal Injury. As an attorney he was known for his compassion, perseverance, knowledge of the law and his generous kind spirit. Bill maintained a Distinguished peer rating for decades, a recognition given to attorneys for their high ethical standards and legal ability. Bill was known for his pro bono work, often donating his time to assist those who could not afford legal fees. Over the years, Bill served the community as the Chairman of the Jackson County Democratic Party and held annual summer picnics for members. When Bill retired after over 50 years of service, he had the highest jury awards in Jackson County history. In 2022, Bill received the DAR Distinguished Citizen Award for his lifetime of service. Bill was a pillar of the community, and will be missed dearly by all those who knew him.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Dee Rappleye and his daughter Nancy Rappleye. He is survived by ten children, Diane (Rappleye) and Mike Lindbert, James Rappleye, Richard Rappleye, Philip Rappleye, Patricia (Rappleye) and Steve Dunigan, William Rappleye, John Rappleye, Mary Beth (Rappleye) and Craig McDonald, David and Laura Rappleye and, Amy Rappleye and Charlotte Johnson. Bill is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
In celebration of his life, a mass will be held at Saint Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Jackson, Michigan on Monday, January 19, at 10:00 a.m., with Father Tim Nelson officiating. The family will receive friends at the Church before the service from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's memory can be sent to the Hanover-Horton High School Library. 10000 Moscow Road, Horton MI 49246.
Bill will be interred at the Fort Custer Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan.