Edward Allen Rapp

Rapp, Edward Allen of Coon Rapids, Minnesota. Passed away from cancer at the age of 82. Preceded in death by his bride, Gerd Murer Rapp, and his parents George and Gladys Rapp. Ed was born in Sandstone, Minnesota, graduated from Denfeld High School in Duluth, the University of Minnesota-Duluth and the University of Minnesota. He served his country in the Air Force as an intelligence officer. Professionally, Ed was a math and social studies teacher in Columbia Heights, a union negotiator, and a rabble-rouser on behalf of his fellow educators and his students. He advised the Student Council, organized school dances matching partners via computer, and brought in delicacies for students to taste after final tests. He helped numerous local teacher unions professionalize their negotiating strategies. He wrote often and passionately about education and union issues, following FP Dunne's advice of afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted. He was instrumental in the creation of the Board of Teaching. He received many honors, including the prestigious Pennell Award from the Minnesota Federation of Teachers. Personally, Ed was a loving husband, father, uncle and friend. He treasured his time with his family and friends, both around his dining room table and at the Rapp family vacation property. He was active in DFL politics, argued passionately on behalf of his favorite candidates, and gave often to political and charitable groups, particularly those that benefited free speech, women's and civil rights, and hunger. He loved traveling to Norway to visit Gerd's relatives and friends. After his retirement in 1993 and Gerd's sudden death several years later, Ed alternated his time between home and cabin, never straying too far from his grandchildren. He also remained a rabble-rouser on behalf of the rights of teacher retirees. Survived by daughter Kari of Columbia Heights, son Todd (Maggie) of Woodbury, brothers Rip and Dale of Duluth and Burleigh of Hermantown, and countless other family and friends. Grandchildren Alaina Etheridge, Marie Barroso, Tim, Sydney, Meaghan, Mark, Frank and great-grandchildren Bianca, Veronica and Skylar will miss him terribly. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Coon Rapids VFW on Saturday, June 13, 2015 from 2 to 5 p.m. A remembrance will begin at 3:30 p.m., with rebuttals and refreshments to follow. In his memory, please double your contribution to your favorite charity this month.

Published on May 31, 2015