Robert Leonard Rapp, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, died on Sept. 18, 2026, at the age of 89.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m., at Meridith Funeral Home in Highland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Pierron. Interment will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Pierron.
Born in East St. Louis, Mr. Rapp later moved to Fairview Heights, where he and his wife, Donna, raised their family. After retirement, he and his wife made their home in Pocahontas, where they enjoyed many years together.
Mr. Rapp was a devout Catholic throughout his life. He was a faithful member of two Catholic parishes including Our Lady of the Assumption and Immaculate Conception. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, where he shared fellowship and service with others in his faith community.
A professional electrical engineer, he graduated from the College of Engineering at the University of Iowa and owned his own electrical business for 20 years. He often mentioned his love of “working with the tools” as a union electrician. He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Union for more than 65 years. He retired after a long and dedicated career. His unwavering work ethic, dedication and commitment to providing for his family was constant throughout his life.
Mr. Rapp was married for more than 60 years to the love of his life, Donna Rapp, who went before him. Their marriage was the foundation of a large and loving family. He was also preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Judith; his grandson, Nathan; his sister, Loretta; and his brother, Joe. The family finds comfort in believing that Mr. Rapp is now reunited with his loved ones who went before him.
His family was his greatest legacy. He leaves behind generations of family who will carry his memory forward and remember him for the love, guidance, stories and memories he gave them throughout his long life.
Mr. Rapp will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew and loved him. While there is great sadness in saying goodbye, his family finds peace in knowing that his earthly journey is complete. After a long and meaningful life, Mr. Rapp has gone home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May he rest in eternal peace.
He is survived by his children, Nancy (Tim), Jennifer (Mark), Joseph (Terri), Karen (Ray) and Linda (Steve); 13 grandchildren, Stephanie, Matthew, Melissa, Meghan, Elizabeth, Joseph, Christine, Robert, Stephen, Grace, Jack, Sylvia and Lauren; 18 great-grandchildren; his two sisters, Sister Dolores Ann, age 99, and Virginia, age 92; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends.
Memorial donations may be made to Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center or to Family Hospice.
Meridith Funeral Home in Highland is assisting the family.
