MADISON - Jack Leroy Rappe, age 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at William S. Middleton Veterans Memorial Hospital. He was born on October 22, 1940, in Baraboo, Wis., the son of Elmer and Arva (Fry) Rappe.

Jack graduated from Madison East High School in 1958. He was united in marriage to Diane C. Streber on January 27, 1962, at Bashford Methodist Church in Madison. He was employed as a barber, owned and operated the Madison Archway Cookie Distributorship and then worked at the Madison Post Office, where he retired. He was a U.S. Army disabled veteran.

Jack enjoyed a long and fun life with his wife of 60 years. They traveled to Jamaica many times with different friends. He and his two sons went to many motorcycle races and concerts. He followed all major UW sports (football, basketball, hockey and girls’ volleyball) and the Packers, Moto G.P. and Moto-America Super Bike Racing. Jack enjoyed his annual Musky fishing trip to Canada with various friends. He also enjoyed his quiet time going down to his basement workshop creating and carving deer and moose antlers while listening to blues music and making pens on his lathe out of a variety of materials.

After retirement, Jack and Diane bought a mobile home in St. Petersburg, Fla., and went there every year for three months from January to April 1. Jack went on the road driving a motorhome to all of the Super Bike races across the country with his friend, Blake, who raced in many different classes.

Jack was proud that he accomplished over 30 years of sobriety, utilizing the principles he learned and applied through the fellowship of AA. He sponsored a (steak and smut) party at his house every year for about 30 of his close AA friends. (The smut was man talk.)

Jack is survived by his two sons, Jay and Jeffrey (Karen Hansen) Rappe; and brother, Richard “Dick” Rappe. He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane; two anencephalic sons; parents, Elmer and Arva Rappe; and brother, Ken Rappe.

In keeping with Jack’s wishes, no services will be held. A private burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens for the family at a later date.

Memorials may be made in Jack’s name to the Fetal Health Foundation for research and support to families receiving anencephaly diagnoses.

“See you all on the other side! Diane, be prepared!!!”

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Jack Leroy Rappe

October 22, 1940 - April 05, 2026

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