Peter Rappe

Peter Allan Rappe was born April 13, 1930, in Hastings, Minnesota, to Reuben and Elizabeth (Siniff) Rappe. He was baptized by his grandfather, Rev. O.V. Siniff, in Preston, Minnesota. He was raised in Minneapolis and spent summers in Preston. He graduated from Minneapolis Central High School in 1948. Pete married Merrilyne Gregg in 1953. He attended the University of Minnesota where he was active in ROTC and graduated in 1954 with a degree in architecture. Pete served in the United States Navy, and in 1955, he joined the US Air Force. In 1957 they returned to Minnesota, and Pete served until being honorably discharged in 1958. Merrilyne passed away in 1967. On October 21, 1967, Pete married Janice Quinnell at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Following their marriage they lived in Bloomington until moving to Northfield in 1970. Pete owned and operated Versatech Manufacturing in Cannon Falls until the mid 1970's when he began his construction and remodeling business. In the late 1980's Pete retired and began working full time with his artwork, specializing in animal portraits. In 2003, Pete and Janice moved to Faribault.

Pete was a member of the American Legion in Northfield, the Masonic Lodge, and was associated with other artists. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and was an avid reader. His true passions were flying and his art. He was a "fix it guy" and was knowledgeable and talented in so many areas.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Jan; 4 children and their spouses: Gregg and Kerry of Farmington, Grant and Julie of Waterford, Grey and Lorrie of LaQuinta, California, Gail Sirek of Northfield; 16 grandchildren: Jamie, Marny (Jordan), Reuben, Valerie, Oscar, Zibby, Felix, Alex, Peter, Maddi, Sarah, Nicole, Jacob, Mindy (Carlos), Miranda and Justin; 7 great-grandchildren: including Angelina, Gisselle, Charlie, Nissiah, Janessa, Damian and Sebastian; one brother and his wife, Lynn and Sharon of Spring Park; his brother-in-law, Don Quinnell of Faribault; 3 sisters-in-law, Naomi Quinnell of Faribault, Betty Quinnell of Northfield, Joan Quinnell of Randolph; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, his parents and one brother in infancy.

Peter passed away with his wife and daughter by his side, on Monday evening, September 29, 2008, at Faribault Commons Care Center in Faribault, at the age of 78.

Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday, October 2, 2008, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Northfield with Rev. Joseph Crippen officiating. Music will be provided by Ruth Ferguson, Harriet Menard and Craig Wasner. Interment with military honors will be in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Casket bearers will be Alex Rappe, Peter J. Rappe, Reuben Rappe, Justin Sirek, Brain Quinnell and Mark Quinnell. Visitation will be 4-7PM Wednesday, October 1, 2008, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield. Visitation will continue at the church on Thursday one hour prior to the funeral.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.