Darlow “Rip” Rapple, 69, of Humboldt, passed away March 30, 2007 at his home. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Zion Lutheran Church in Humboldt with the Rev. J.K. Raether officiating. Interment will be in Union Cemetery with full military rites by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5240 and Adams American Legion Post 119 of Humboldt. Visitation with the family will be from 4-8 p.m. Monday at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home in Humboldt.
Rip is survived by his wife, Arloa of Humboldt; son, Wayne Rapple of Humboldt; daughters, Jeanie (Pete) Stattelman of Humboldt, Sue (Scott) Hill of Humboldt, and Nina Rapple of Humboldt; grandchildren, Jeremy (Jen) Stattelman, Trisha (Cody) Ritter, Joseph Stattelman, Lisa Stalzer, Christopher Hill, Brooke Hill, Ryan Hill, Jennifer Rapple, and Marisa Rapple; sister, Shirley (George) Curry of Humboldt; and 6 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Darlow Wayne Rapple, the son of Howard Darlow and Frieda (Borg) Rapple, was born December 4, 1937 at Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was raised and educated at Humboldt and graduated from Humboldt High School in 1956. Following his education he served in the United States Army, stationed in Manheim, Germany and in 1960 was married to Traute “Dixie” Doering. Following his honorable discharge, they returned to Humboldt and the marriage was later dissolved. . On June 14, 1975, he was united in marriage to Arloa Hanke and the couple made their home at Humboldt where Rip worked as a self employed electrical contractor. Rip enjoyed all of his business ventures which included the Pro-Station Convenience Store in Humboldt his work in the insurance industry, and most recently, his screen printing business.
Rip had a creative mind, was talented with his hands, and had many varied interests. He refurbished a working civil war cannon, built custom cars, and worked with stained glass. He was a life-time member of ABATE and was instrumental in the early ABATE Rallies in Humboldt. He and Arloa traveled the country on their motorcycle and he enjoyed his trips to Sturgis each year. He also enjoyed woodworking and fishing. Rip was very patriotic and followed politics avidly. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and served his community as a volunteer fireman for nearly 25 years and as a city councilman.