Obituary of Walter Oscar Rapke
Walter O. Rapke, age 94, of Ava, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2023, with his loving family at his side.
He was born November 17, 1928, in Rome, a son of the late Edward A. and Bertha M. Scheidleman Rapke. He graduated from Rome Free Academy, the NYS Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences and Utica College of Syracuse University. Walter was united in marriage to the former Marian E. Edwards on August 9, 1952, at the Rome First United Methodist Church. He was employed for 31 years at Revere Copper Products as Head of Data Processing, retiring in 1984, and later worked as Director of Central Services for Oneida County. Walter proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
He was a great family man who loved to follow the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved tending to his gentleman’s farm on Mullen Hill Rd, whether it be caring for his cows and chickens, cultivating his garden, or puttering in his shop. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, and anything he could do outdoors. He always had a word of encouragement and a can-do attitude when it came to getting things done.
Walter is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Marian; his children, Pam and Randy Hubbard, Linda and Randy Bowers, and David and Barbara Rapke; a brother and sister in law, Edwin and Estelle Rapke; sister in law, Claire Edwards: grandchildren, Sarah and Matt Eldfeldt, Caitlin and Chuck Cerny, Lindsay and Tom Judge, Taylor Rapke and Matt Leggett, Jillian and Daryl Finn, Jenna and Brad Waters, Danielle and Shawn Finster, and Josh Bowers and Morgan Weiler; great grandchildren, Brynn and Nate Eldfeldt, Allison, Hannah, Mallory, Luke and Jacob Cerny, Grace and Connor Finn, Camryn and Jackson Finster, and Bryce and Ayden Waters. He was predeceased by his siblings, LeRoy, Seymour, Robert, Raymond, Edna, Myrtle, and Edith.
The funeral service will be held on Friday at 1:00 PM, at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 West Chestnut Street. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.
There will be no calling hours
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Westernville Volunteer Fire Dept or the Westernville Library.