Julie Ann Rappis

Julie Ann Rappis (nee, Rich) was born to eternal life on May 5, 2015, at the age of 81. She died peacefully at home surrounded by her family. She was born in Waukesha, WI on September 25, 1933, the daughter of Michael and Mary (Panella) Rich. Although she was born in Waukesha, Julie's fondest days of her youth were spent in Milwaukee, where she attended St. John Cathedral High School, and enjoyed much time with her loving grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Julie was also a graduate of Marquette University. Julie was united in marriage on October 17, 1953 to James (Jim) Rappis, and they had 60 happy years together until his passing. He was the love of her life and she frequently commented how lucky she was that he picked her. They loved spending time with family, traveling throughout the United States and Europe, and attending numerous collegiate and professional sporting events across the country. Julie was a teacher in the Waukesha Catholic School System for 36 years until her retirement. Teaching was a true calling for Julie, and she took seriously the trust that was placed in her during the formative years of middle school students' lives. While she was said to have greatly enriched those lives, she often spoke about being equally blessed in having a profession that was personally fulfilling, and one that she loved. Even after she retired, she missed her students so much that for several years thereafter, she often served as a substitute teacher when needed. As much as she loved teaching, she loved being a mother more, and called motherhood her greatest accomplishment. Her eyes sparkled and her smile widened whenever she spoke about her family and the accomplishments of her children. She left a legacy of unconditional love. Julie was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, where she was a member of the Christian Mother's Society and more recently, a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, where she served as a Eucharistic minister and taught Sunday morning children's liturgy for over 15 years. Julie is survived by her son, James Michael Rappis of Waukesha, and her daughter, Jill Mary Rappis of Chicago. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, in-laws, other relatives and friends. Julie was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Jim. A visitation for Julie will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the 12:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, May 8, 2015 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 225 S. Hartwell Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186. The Rev. Howard Haase will be officiating. The burial will take place privately at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Julie's name to the Waukesha Catholic School System (221 S. Hartwell Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186-6402, www.waukeshacatholic.org) or Heart of the Nation (1126 S 70th Street, #N601, West Allis, WI 53214, www.heartofthenation.org) would be appreciated.