Gerald L. "Jerry" Rapp Sr., 78, of Grand Island died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, at CHI Health St. Francis with his family by his side.

Per Jerry's wishes he was cremated. There will be a private celebration of his life at a later time and burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home is assisting the family. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Online condolences may be directed to www.livson.com.
Jerry was born July 30, 1938, in Holdrege to Warren and Blanche (Reagan) Rapp. He was raised and educated in Holdrege, graduating from Holdrege High School. While in high school he learned the automotive trade while working for Charles Gabus Ford. While still in Holdrege, he later drove truck cross-country for Speedway Motors for some years. This developed a real love of the highway and roads.
On Feb. 10, 1968, he married Joan Elson in Almena, Kan. They moved to Chapell, and purchased and drove a semi-tractor/milk tanker and leased the truck to Leprino Cheese. Wanting to be closer to family, they moved to Grand Island where they settled. He returned to the automotive business by working for many years at Diers Motor Company. He started as a line tech and was promoted to service manager. He then purchased and owned his own car business - Midway Battery and Auto Sales - for several years. It closed due to the South Locust expansion. He then continued his interest in the automotive business by purchasing an interest in Motor Car Engineering and Auto Sales.
In his last few years, he fulfilled his love of trucking by working with Bridge Street Auto, and logging many miles in many places with a wrecker and flatbed truck. He did this until shortly before his death when his health worsened and could no longer do it, which truly broke his heart.
Jerry was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Platte Duettche and Saddle Club. He was a great husband, father and grandfather. He was ready to help anyone at any time. All anyone had to do was ask. He will be sadly missed by all of us.
He is survived by his wife, Joan; son, Jerry Jr. (Tammy McHugh) Rapp; granddaughters, Jeris and Kaleigh Rapp (who he truly cherished and adored); grandson, Billy (who he thought the world of); five daughters with Susan (Tim) Boomhower of Lexington, (being a special part of his life until his death).
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; an infant daughter, Jeris.