Dr. James William Rapp Sr.

Dr. James William “Bill” Rapp, Sr., 90, entered into rest on July 25, 2018, after a two month battle with the after effects of brain injuries he suffered following two falls. He was born on July 22, 1928, in Essex, Iowa, to Ardean Maurice and Annetta Nelson Rapp.

He grew up in Red Oak, Iowa, where he played the Euphonium when he attended Red Oak High School and placed first in a solo statewide band competition. His love of music followed him throughout his life as he enjoyed singing in his church choirs and a barber shop chorus. His high school class of ’46 was a close knit group and gathered frequently over the decades and yearly in the last twenty of Bill’s life.

Following high school he entered the Army to help further his education. He was stationed in Alaska, climbing telephone poles in the winter when it was discovered that he could type. He was then transferred to Company Clerk and advanced to the rank of Corporal for the remainder of his service.

After his service, he attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, followed by the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. He first practiced in Red Oak, Iowa, before moving his family to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he practiced for more than 30 years. Bill loved being a Podiatrist and healing people’s foot problems. He always said “if your feet hurt, you hurt all over!” He often volunteered in the medical tents during local marathons to help the sore and aching feet of the runners and walkers. He also opened a satellite office in Beatrice, Nebraska.

After retiring from practice, Bill continued working in nursing homes in the Omaha, Nebraska area, prior to, and even after, moving with his wife to North Texas.

During his professional life Bill served as President of the Red Oak, Iowa, Junior Chamber of Commerce, President of the Red Oak, Iowa, Council of PTA’s, President of the Nebraska Podiatry Association, was an Honor Club President of Sertoma International, and District Governor of Toastmasters International. He was also a member of, and held many positions within Kiwanis, and other organizations.

In 1959, Toastmasters was having a banquet, and one of his friends suggested a co-worker, Charlene Babbitt, as his date. He and Charlene had attended high school together and as fate would have it, they met to become reacquainted, and the rest is history. They enjoyed nearly 59 years of marriage.

Bill was blessed with good health into his late 80’s. He walked daily and you would often find him visiting with neighbors. He loved to meet friends for donuts, coffee, and conversation. He enjoyed people and was a true gentleman who always put others first. He stood up when anyone, particularly a lady, entered the room, shook hands with an “only Bill” handshake, and never left his back to anyone. Bill was a family man who cared about what others were doing or planning. He had a quick wit, great sense of humor, loved to soak up the sun , watch a good western, detective show, or pretty much any type of sport. He was a life-long fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and that was one of the reasons he loved the color red. Additionally, Bill had an unusual talent. He could make his ears wiggle, which his grandkids got a big kick out of!

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dr. Robert M. Rapp (who had been a Doctor of Music, at the University of Evansville, in Evansville, Indiana). He is survived by his wife Charlene; daughters, Susan, Jayne Aerni (Ron), and Ann Shotkoski (Robert); sons, Gary (Marie), and James Jr.; grandchildren, Dr. Giselle Aerni (Jim Banko), Karen Aerni, Stephen Shotkoski, Jacob Shotkoski, Dawn Roper (Charles), Tiffanni Jorgensen (Jeff), Allissa Steiner (Pete) and Tyler Smith; 11 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Dr. Linda Babbitt; 4 nieces and 11 nephews.

Interment will be in Omaha, NE, in The Omaha National Cemetery.