Willmar Emil Rapatt, age 76, New York Mills, MN, died May 16, 2005 at Perham Memorial Hospital due to a heart attack. Funeral services will be Friday, May 20, 2005 at 11:00 am at St. John's Lutheran Church in Corliss Township, rural Perham, MN. Reverend Del Meyer will officiate with burial following in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, May 19, 2005 at Schoeneberger Funeral Home in Perham from 4-8 pm.
Willmar was born to Emil and Hulda (Mischke) Rapatt on June 18, 1928. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church all his life. He was re-married to Florence Adams, Frazee, MN, on January 22, 2000. The few years that they shared together were very special and will forever leave a twinkle in each other's eyes. He was a very happy husband, father, grand father and friend. He enjoyed many things, especially being outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, trapping, working in the woods, dancing and telling great stories that we will always remember. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren, teaching and sharing with them everything that he knew. All of which kept a continuous smile on his face. A smile none could ever forget. Willmar worked in underground mines for seven years in Chisholm, MN. He worked eleven years in Minneapolis and St. Paul as a carpenter and also Madison Silo Company, Lund Boat Company of New York Mills and Perham Locker Plant. He retired in 1979 due to cancer.
Willmar is survived by his wife, Florence, New York Mills, MN; sister, Dolores Dornbusch, Perham, MN; son, Richard (Linda) Rapatt, Menahga, MN; four daughters, Anita (Patrick) Lavell, Milaca, MN; Cindy (Greg) Huwe, New York Mills, MN; Julie Rapatt (Jeff Lenz), Zimmerman, MN; Rhonda (Gary) Peterson, Wyoming, MN; eighteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, David and Roger Rapatt; sister, Viola Hendrickson and one grandson, Robert Gillette.
"You always had a smile to share, time to give and time to care, a loving nature warm and true, these are the memories we will keep of you."
Schoeneberger Funeral Home, Perham, Minnesota, is in charge of arrangements. 218-346-5175. On-line tributes may be posted at www.schoenebergerfuneralhome.com.