The legendary Mt. Pleasant educator and coach Rodney LeRoy Rapp popularly Known as Rod Rapp died at age of 80. Rapp died on Monday at his home in Rosebush while being cared for in hospital.
The News about his death spread on social media on Wednesday afternoon. Rapp’s funeral is scheduled for Monday, September 26 at 11 a.m. at the Clark Funeral Chapel in Mt. Pleasant. His burial will follow at Woodland Cemetery in Rosebush and lunch will follow communion services at Reflections Reception Center.
Rapp’s family welcomes friends on Sunday, September 25, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visitations for Rod’s funeral will continue on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the service.
Memorial contributions can be made to his family and will be used to create a wrestling scholarship in Rod Rapp’s name.
More Information about Mount Pleasant teacher, Rod Rapp
Rapp was born on May 14, 1942, in Lansing, Michigan, United States. He belongs as the son of Father Arthur Rapp and Mother Elizabeth (Woods) Rapp.
Rod was an avid supporter of Mt. Pleasant High School and also CMU’s wrestling programs. Talking about his other profession, he was a lifelong farmer and loved farming with his family. He also enjoyed hunting, spending time outdoors, downhill skiing, water skiing, and most importantly, spending time with his beloved family. Rod also loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports and show horses and he was also a member of the National Rifle Association and Free Methodist Church.
Know about the Wife and Children of Rod Rapp
The Mount Pleasant Teacher, Rod was married to Patricia Ann Stone on June 20, 1964, in Plymouth, MI. After obtaining his master’s degree from the university, he took pride in being a teacher for more than 37 years.
Rod was survived by his wife of 58 years, Pat Rapp and because of his children, Kimberly Rapp (Thad), Jennifer, and Amy Rapp. All of his children are married and he is the grandfather of many grandchildren.
Rapp has six grandchildren named as Taylor and Kodi O’Boyle, Josh, Katelyn, Tyler Schell, and Madisyn Pipkin. Talking about other relatives he also has two nieces and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his parent’s brother, James Rapp, and his sister, Cathy Hawkins.
Rod Rapp Career as a Wrestling Coach
Rod Rapp was an educator and coach at Mt. Pleasant Public Schools for more than decades and he is one of the most successful prep wrestling coaches in state history.
Between Years 1964 and 1989, he led the Oilers to six state wrestling championships, posting a great record of 307-93-4. Rod also coached six undefeated teams and in his 25 years as wrestling head coach, the Oilers won 22 conference titles. He has also coached five All-Americans and 19 individual state champions.
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Rapp came to Mid-Michigan and wrestled at CMU in the early 1960s after placing three times in state finals as a prep wrestler at Lansing Eastern and received All-American honors in 1963 and 1965 and was inducted into CMU Athletics Hall of Fame in the Year 2000. In 2008 Rod was in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for his lifelong contributions to the Wrestling sport. He was also inducted into the Michigan Wrestling Association Hall of Fame in the Year 1994 and also the Mt. Pleasant High School Athletics Hall of Famer.
