Denny Rapson

Denny was born on November 17, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, to Norman and Theresa (Chopp) Rapson. He graduated from Lansing Eastern High School in 1961. In 1966, he began his plumbing apprenticeship with UA Local 388 (now Local 333) Plumbers and Pipefitters in Lansing.

Denny was licensed by the State of Michigan as a Master Plumber and Mechanical Contractor and enjoyed a long and distinguished career as the Plumbing and Mechanical Inspector for the City of East Lansing. He served in numerous leadership roles throughout his profession. In 1989, he was appointed by Governor James Blanchard to the first State of Michigan Mechanical Board of Rules. Denny was a past Chairman and President of the Plumbing Inspectors Association of Michigan (PIAM) and served as Secretary to the Board of Directors for the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). He was also a member of the Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association (MPMCA) and was a Certified Backflow Instructor.

An avid golfer, Denny especially cherished his Monday night golf league at Oak Lane, where friendships mattered just as much as the game itself. He also loved traveling with friends and family on golf trips to Fairfield Glade, Tennessee; Pinehurst, North Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; and Bradenton, Florida.

Above all, Denny took immense pride in his family. His wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends meant the world to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Carol M. Rapson; and his granddaughter, Emily A. Rapson.

Denny is survived by his wife of 33 years, Cheryl (Trinklein) Rapson of East Lansing; his son, Randall (Nancy) Rapson of Portland, Michigan and their children, Samantha (Lyall) Blanché (and children Calihan and Lila), Abbey Rapson, and Cullen Rapson; and his son, Ryan Rapson of Haslett, Michigan, and his children, Zachary (Anna) Rapson (and children Emma and Addison), Michael Rapson, and Megan (Ontario) McDonald.

He is also survived by his step-sons, James (Rochelle) Compau of Belmont, Michigan (and children, Ella, Madelyn, and Brody), and David (Nikki) Compau of Frankenmuth, Michigan (and children, Brooklyn, Chloe, and Kinsley).

Also surviving are his brother, Thomas (Dr. Carol) Rapson of Williamston, Michigan; his nephew, Mark (Amy) Rapson (and children, Grady and Avery); his niece, Dr. Julie (Joe) Strachota (and children, Colton and Ashlynn); and his brother, Norman A. Rapson of East Lansing.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Courtyard at Delta Senior Assisted Living and Memory Care Facility, as well as the compassionate staff of U of M Health – Sparrow Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, for their kindness, care, and support.

A celebration of Denny’s life will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Martin Luther Chapel, 444 Abbot Road, East Lansing, Michigan 48823. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 12:00 p.m.

The Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home in Lansing is assisting the family and burial will be in Lake View Cemetery of Calumet in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Dennis Paul Rapson to:

-Martin Luther Chapel, 444 Abbot Rd., East Lansing 48823

-U of M Health–Sparrow Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, 1210 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48915

-Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601