George Rapaelian, 85, passed away at his home at Harmony Assisted Living of Racine on September 20, 2010.
He was born in Racine WI on August 20, 1925 to the late Dadour and Elizabeth (nee Magerikian) Rapaelian. He was a life-long resident of Racine, graduating from Washington Park High School in 1943.
A proud veteran, George served in the U.S. Navy during World War II with the Pacific Fleet on the Seaplane Tender USS Currituck AV-7 from 1944-1946. He was united in marriage to Jane Rapaelian (nee Paque) on March 1, 1947 and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997 before her passing in 2000.
George worked over forty years at Modine Manufacturing Company, where he was a member, officer and chief negotiator for UAW Local 82. George retired in August 1988. In his younger years, George enjoyed bowling, traveling with his wife and taking long drives. He especially loved time with his extended family. He was a member of Friends of Seniors, the Modine 20-year club and a volunteer at Villa St. Anna Assisted Living. He was a lifelong sports fan, Packer Backer and Cubs fan.
George is survived by his daughters Janet (Todd) Acklam of Grass Valley, CA; Suzanne (Larry) Larson of Racine, WI; step-granddaughter Anne (Dan) From of St. Louis Park, MN and granddog Abby. Also surviving are sisters and brothers, Margaret Aizenstat, Granada Hills, CA; Abe (Claudia) Rapaelian, Sun Lakes, AZ; Ted (Phyllis) Rapaelian, Sun Lakes, AZ; and sisters and brothers-in-law Georgia Rapaelian, Racine, WI; Helen Rapaelian, Racine, WI; Doris Bergfors, Marinette, WI; Clarice Bronold, Kenmore, NY; Henrietta (Cory) Janzen, Round Lake, IL; Mary Ann (Jerry) Milam, Pekin, IL; Judy (Mike) Kramer, Wausau, WI; Rosemary Paque, Milwaukee, WI; Henry (Joan) Paque, Milwaukee, WI and many special nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, his brother, John Rapaelian and sister Martha (Mike) Kaprelian, brothers-in-law Ralph (Barbara) Paque, Arnold (Birdie) Paque, Francis Paque, Chuck Bronold, William Aizenstat, Doug Zyskowski, Don Bergfors and sister-in-law Joan Rapaelian also preceded him in death.
In accordance with George’s wishes, there will be no service. There will be a visitation at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday, September 24, 2010 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. His burial with military honors will take place at Graceland Cemetery on Saturday, September 25th at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome to meet at the gate of the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Program, PO Box 636, Port Washington, WI 53074 or charity of donor’s choice.
The family would like to thank George’s caring neighbors, the staff and residents at Harmony of Racine Assisted Living, Hospice Alliance, Inc. and Dr. Daniel Ross as well as Ken (Big Al) at Plaza Barbers and Debbie and Angie at Culvers on 21st Street.
Mary Jo & Steve Baas says
So sorry for your loss. He was a charming and wonderful man. (Like all Cub fans. 🙂
Mary Lou Coad says
I will always be grateful that Aunt Jane and Uncle George made the effort to go up to Menominee the same time we made the trip from Kenmore. Loved the summer visits with Janet and Suzanne. Thanks for the memories.
kimberly becker says
uncle george, you maybe gone, but never forgotton, always in our hearts. Lexie will miss her visits with you! We love you. Kevin, kimberly and Lexie
Ron & Sandi Martin says
Our deepest sympathy for the Rapaelian family on the loss of George. Our prayers are with you all.
Deb Simon says
So sorry to hear of Uncle George’s passing. I had several wonderful conversations with George at family reunions over the past years. It was a pleasure getting to know more about who he was, once I became an adult and could have adult conversations. His sentimentality and caring came through in his conversation. I also have very fond memories of my cousins and aunts and uncles converging in Menominee during the summers. I know Dad and Mom liked George a lot, and enjoyed the many visits with Jane and George over the years. May the warm memories keep George in our hearts forever.
Doris Bergfors says
Dear Janet and Todd, Suzanne and Larry, I’m so sorry to hear about George. He was a good man and a good member of our family. He will be missed. In sympathy, Aunt Doris