Herschel Eugene “Gene” Rapp of Zenith, Illinois passed away at his home on October 18, 2021. He was 84.
Gene was born October 9, 1937, in Zenith, the son of Herschel and Malinda (Henson) Rapp. Gene grew up in Paxton, IL, a town he spoke of fondly his entire life. He served for six years in the Illinois National Guard. He worked a variety of jobs in the Paxton area including food distribution at J.M. Jones in Urbana, IL where he met his wife Cynthia “Cindy” Ruppel. Work took him to Minneapolis, MN where he worked for Gateway Foods for many years. He returned to Zenith in 1984 where he worked for Knapp Oil Company until his retirement.
Gene was a master carpenter and all around “handyman.” He built everything from furniture to the very home he lived in for the past 35 years. After retirement, he enjoyed rebuilding cabins at the Brush Creek Campgrounds in Zenith where he will be laid to rest. Gene loved living in the country where he enjoyed feeding birds and squirrels, watching the Cardinals on summer evenings, and visiting for hours with family and friends who stopped by. He cherished them more than anything.
Gene is survived by his four sons Doug (Marilyn) of Portales, NM, Mike (Leigh) of Rantoul, IL, Jeff (Holly) of Henderson, NV and Craig (Shannon) of Florissant, MO, a brother Melvin (Barbara) of Fairfield, IL, former spouse Lois of Thomasboro, IL, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were his pride and joy.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brother Danny, an infant son Donald, and two beautiful nieces Billie Jean and Elaine.
Funeral services will be at 10:30am Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Brush Creek Community of Christ Church at Zenith, Illinois. Burial will be at Brush Creek Cemetery at Zenith, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8pm on Friday, October 29, at Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home in Cisne. Everyone attending the visitation and funeral service are encouraged to wear a mask and follow CDC guidelines.
Memorials may be made to the Brush Creek Campgrounds and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com.
Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.