Elmer Wotring Rappe

Elmer Wotring Rappe passed quietly in his sleep Monday, January 5, 2015 atMid-Valley Hospital in Omak, WA. He was born in the Omak Hospital, January 22, 1926, the youngest child of Elmer Otto Rappe' and lone Iris Wotring Rappe' Stumpf. Except for six years in Ferry County, he lived his entire life in the OkanoganjOmak area. Prior to graduating high school, he had enlisted in the Navy and . served from 1944 to 1946. His notice to serve began with Boot Camp at Farragut, 10. From there, he proudly served aboard the USS Iowa B61 as an Electrician mate, 3rd class (EM3c). His active duty was spent in the South PacifiC, where he was warded the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, "2 star", the World War 11 Victory Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Medal "1 starn.•Elmer had visited the USS Iowa in 2013, where it is kept at San Pedro, CA. While there, he became friendly with the tour guide, explaining to him, for hours, the mechanics of the communication system on the vessel. Elmer's recollection and stories of that era could keep you spell-bound for hours. Elmer worked for the Ferry county Road department for six years, during which time, he built his family home in Curlew, WA. He also worked for the Ford Motor Company in Omak, and moved his family to Omak. While working for Hamilton Farm Equipment, he traveled allover Okanogan County, repairing farm equipment for many years. He and partners, Jim Rhemke and Wayne McCorkle, formed their own repair service, known as the "Machinery Clinic" in Okanogan, where he worked until his retirement. Elmer continued to work outside the home for another 15 years. In 1982, Elmer and Nora Light Philmon were married. Together, they built their log home in the Chiliwist Valley, south of Malott, WA. Building a log home was one of Elmer's lifetime dreams. He and Nora, at one point, kept 17 head of horses and one mule. Horseback riding was a favorite pastime. Many times when family .and friends were visiting every animal was saddled. He and Nora covered many tralls, right from their ranch. The ranch was called "Mules Plus", as mules were raised for a short time and the plus stood for the many cats, dogs, chickens, burros and horses. Together, they made several trips into the Pasayten Wilderness. Other times, weekends were spent over trails leading from the Methow, Chewauk, and Twisp Rivers. He was a longtime member of Back Country Horseman. Elmer was always ready to help neighbors and many of them checked with him, to see if he had what they sought, before heading to town. Elmer is survived by his wife, Nora; his children, Thomas Rappe', Steven (Kathryn) Rappe', James Rappe', and Karen (Jim) Miller; his step-children, Dianna Michaels, Dennis (Joan) Philmon, Sharon (Jim) Holland, arid Leslie (Michelle) Philmon; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by both parents; sisters, Alice and Irene; and brother, Charles. . Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 19, 2015, at the Eagles Lodge on Elmway in Okanogan, WA, with Trygve Culp officiating. A Potluck dinner will follow the Service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Malott Fire Department or the Okanogan Eagles Lodge, in memory of Elmer Rappe'.

Elmer Wotring Rappe

January 22, 1926 - January 5, 2015