Gary Lee Rapp, 59, of 206 West Lawrence Avenue, Helena, died of natural causes in his home on May 15, 2006. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Hagler-Anderson Funeral Home. An informal celebration of remembrance is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 19, at the Fireside Coffee Shop on Euclid Avenue in Helena.
Survivors include his two daughters, Geannine Rapp Purpura of Great Falls and Jenn Rapp of New York City; a brother, Kenneth Rapp of Butte; and five nieces and nephews.
Gary was born on May 30, 1946, in Butte, Mont., to Walter George Rapp and Lillian A. Fredericks. He graduated from Carroll College in 1969 and obtained his MSW from Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz., in 1974. Throughout his career Gary worked to help others as a licensed social worker for the Silver Bow County Department of Public Welfare, Glasgow District Office of the Montana Department of SRS, Cascade County Department of Public Welfare and most recently in Boulder, Mont..
During college Gary met his wife, Mary Maney, also of Butte. They had two daughters and later divorced. Returning to Montana after graduate school, he lived in numerous cities throughout the state. He enjoyed skiing and waterskiing in the Flathead Valley and was a supporter of the arts. Travel was another passion, with his visits to San Francisco, Las Vegas and New York City among his favorites. His greatest pastime was reading, spending much of his time enjoying books of all subjects.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Ryan White Program - Western Region, 323 W. Alder, Missoula, MT 59802. Condolences may be sent to 1400 1st West Hill Drive, Great Falls, MT 59404. Gary would have celebrated his 60th birthday on May 30, 2006.
Local arrangements have been entrusted to Hagler-Anderson Funeral Home.
Jon Blankmeyer
Gary and I were best of friends as little kids. We lived 3 houses apart on Whitman and both of us went to Emerson gradeschool. Gary's mom was like a second mom to me and we had a lot of great family times together. I only became aware of Gary's passing a few weeks ago and when I heard he died about 8 years ago my heart sank. - Jon Blankmeyer class of '68Jim Rolando
Gary and I were colegues working for the state of Montana for many years. I was always happy to see him in various capacities. He was a good and talented Social Worker. The last time I saw him he had returned to the state and was looking for a job. I was on the team that interviewed him for that postion. He took another one shortly after that and then passed away suddently a short time later. I was shocked at his sudden passing. Montana lost a dedicated worker.