Bernard Rappa

Bernard "Bud" Peter Rappa.

Age 89, of Stillwater. Born on January 14, 1936 in Rockford, Illinois to Peter and Helen Rappa and passed away on March 19th, 2025 while living at Waverly Gardens Assisted Living. Although born Bernard, he would come to be known by his family and friends as "Bud."

Bud was raised in Rockford, Illinois and lived in several areas in Minnesota (Minneapolis, Mahtomedi, White Bear Lake and Stillwater.) He was a faithful Christian, devoted husband, father, grandfather, an Army Veteran, and friend to many.

He was recruited to play football at North Park University in Chicago, and that is where he met the love of his life Diane. Two years later, he followed her to Minnesota to attend the University of Minnesota for college. After courting for 6 years, he married his wife of 64 years Diane Adele Holmes Rappa, at Bethlehem Covenant Church on April 9, 1960. Together, they raised five boys and traveled the world.

Bud had a successful career of 38 years working for 3M in Sales and Marketing. Throughout his career and into retirement, he traveled to six of the seven continents.

When not working or traveling, Bud spent time coaching his boys in baseball, soccer, football and hockey. Always trying to instill the love of the game golf in them, with no such luck. He also participated in the church choir and volunteered his time on Mission Trips and with Habitat for Humanity.

Additionally, Bud was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish, hunt, camp, ski (downhill and cross country), snowshoe, garden, landscape, woodwork, and most of all play golf. Golf was his true passion. Bud was a member of the Stillwater Country Club and played golf around the country while being a snowbird with Diane. One of his most cherished golf memories was when he attended The Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia where he got an autograph from his favorite golfer Phil Mickelson. In his later years, Bud took to writing. He wrote two books, The Secrets of the Louvre and the prequel Vendetta. He also dedicated the last years of his life as a loving caregiver to Diane while she was battling Dementia.

Bud was most proud of his sons and grandchildren. He often told stories, laughed at his own jokes and emphasized the importance of "Family, Loyalty, and Trust" as life values.

Bud has joined Diane in their eternal home with God, just 12 days apart. They are now surrounded by lasting love, peace and their fellow angels.

Preceded in death by: Wife Diane, Mother, Father, Brothers -in-law (Robert and Eugene) Holmes, Ian Proudfoot, Sister-in-law Lois Holmes Larsen and Daughter-in-law Lori Rappa.

Survived by: Sister: Ann Proudfoot, Sister -in-law Joan Holmes, Beloved children: Scott (Mary Lynn), Richard (Renda), Bradley (Nicky), Steve and Christopher (Ann). Grandchildren: Anthony, Mary (Kenyon), Nick, Joseph, Matthew, Sofia (Julian), Hunter, Nicholas, Johnny, Alex, Eleni, Aydan, Peter and Amalia. Great grandchildren: Mila, Kallen and Rendalisa. Many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Joint Memorial Service will be held with his wife Diane at 11AM on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, in Mahtomedi, Minnesota. A Gathering will take place one hour before the Service at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Alzheimer's prevention.