Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Edwin Rapke Obituary
Edwin and was born in Rome on February 21, 1927 to the late Edward and Bertha Scheidelman Rapke. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war had ended, he returned home and graduated from RFA in 1948 and earned his Bachelor's from Buffalo State in 1951. On August 18, 1951, he was united in marriage to the former Estella Sherman at St. John's Lutheran Church. He taught driver's education for the Rome City School District and retired in 1982 after 31 years, and taught instructors' drivers' education at Oswego State and Albany State.
After retirement, he and Estella enjoyed travelling extensively around the world. He loved to carve, paint, and do woodworking and even won several awards for his works of art. He was a councilman and supervisor for the Town of Western. He was also a member of the Ava Dorfman Senior Center, and one of the original seven founders of the Rome Teachers Federal Credit Union. Edwin was a true country gentleman farmer.
Edwin is survived by his loving wife of nearly 77 years, Estella; son, Paul (Lynn Clawson) Rapke of Rome; grandchildren, Thomas (Jennifer) Rapke), and Michael (Carley) Rapke; \great grandchildren, Ella, Leah, Nora, and Vera; sisters in law, Marion Rapke, Joanne (Fred) Stellato, and Betty (Robert) Martinez and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Edna Celotti, Myrtle White, and Edith Bork; and his brothers, LeRoy, Seymore, Walter, Robert, and Raymond Rapke.
Funeral services will be private.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.
Please offer online condolences at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edwin Rapke
Sponsored by Barry Funeral Home - Rome.
2 Entries
Christine Salerno Jobson
July 28, 2024
Mr. Rapke was my drivers education teacher. I remember him saying you don't want to be pushing up daisies so don't push too hard on that gas pedal! That stuck with me since 1971. Rest in peace. My condolences to your family and especially to Paul who graduated in 1972 with me.
Stephanie Schell
July 27, 2024
Served his community and had a passion for woodworking.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Edwin Rapke's name
Memorial Events
for Edwin Rapke
How to support Edwin'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 Edwin Rapke'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
