Renae Rapp

Life is about living, yet many people go through life simply being alive, without ever experiencing its fullness and joy. Renae Rapp was a woman full of life and cherished every day. Through work and play, hardship and illness, she never lost sight of the things in life that mattered. Her sincere enthusiasm for and honest approach to life was contagious and it increased the lives of those who caught it.

The 1960s dawned with the movement away from the conservative 50s and eventually resulted in revolutionary thinking and real change in the cultural fabric of American life. These changes affected education, values, lifestyles, laws and even entertainment. Jerry and Joan Rapp of Lansing, Michigan were preparing for a change within the tapestry of their own family as well, as they anxiously awaited the arrival of their third child. They were indeed blessed on April 16, 1961, with the birth of their daughter, Renae Lynn. Renae and her older siblings, Karman and Dwight, were eventually joined by two younger sisters, Linda and Teresa, who completed the Rapp household.

Renae led a typical childhood of the time, growing up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. From her earliest days, she revealed a spirit that was full of energy and love; she was an endless source of happiness for everyone around her. Renae attended Kalamazoo Public Schools. Being a free-spirit, Renae loved an adventure, and by the time she was in her 20s, she was in search of one in sunny Florida. After moving to the Sunshine State, Renae tended bar at the No Name Pub - that was when she wasn’t out shrimping. She would sometimes spend 6 weeks at a time out to sea on a shrimp boat, and she often said that there was nothing like waking up on the deck of a boat with the warmth of the sun on your face.

Many of Renae’s favorite pursuits in life were found outdoors. Quite an artist, she put her talents to good use working at Sunrock, where she detailed outdoor architecture. It was only natural being an outdoorsy person that Renae loved and worked with animals. In fact, her constant companion for many years was her Weimaraner named Colby.

Renae enjoyed life in Florida for 16 years, but after a serious car accident, she needed to be closer to home and family. After moving back to Michigan and was reunited with a longtime friend, Marc Fawley. True soul mates, Renae and Marc lived, loved and treasured every day together. They lived on Gourdneck Lake, where Renae enjoyed gardening and watching all of her flowers grow in and around her house and the wildlife that would stroll through their yard. It was said that Renae was pretty much a homebody and was happiest just doing things around the house. She liked to cook and was known for making something fabulous out of nothing. Some of her leisure time was spent dabbling with art, doing watercolors and chalk art, perhaps while listening to her favorite tunes by Whitney Houston.

Renae had such a compassionate and generous spirit; so much so she would “give the shirt off her back and her last Ritz cracker” to anyone in need. She was thrilled when she found something special at a garage sale or the Dollar Store for a friend or family. Though her most prized possessions were the memorabilia she brought with her from her adventures in Florida. Being an animal lover, Renae was in her glory when volunteering at the SPCA. Spending time with her family was also very important to Renae and she absolutely adored her nieces and nephews. Their births were some of the most special moments in her life.

With her great sense of humor and insatiable zest for life, Renae Rapp was a woman who was truly beautiful inside and out. Her motto in life was “forgive and keep on loving.” She shared the best of times with those around her and made numerous memories to be long remembered.

Renae Lynn Rapp, 51, of Portage, MI died on Friday, June 15, 2012. A celebration of life reception will be held on Sunday, July 1, 2012 from 2:00-5:00 PM at Theo & Stacy's Restaurant, 5225 Portage Road; Portage, MI 49002 (345-3000). Members of her family include her mother, Joan Sukovich; father, Gerald Rapp; sisters and brother: Karman (Xavier) Cook, Dwight Rapp, Linda Fish, Teresa “FE” (Jeffrey) Wolfe; her devoted companion, Marc Fawley; and their dog, Colby; 6 nieces and nephews: Dusty, Dylan, Misty, Melody, Darren, Lauren; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Please visit Renae’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guest book. Memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA of Southwest Michigan or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive; 375-2900,