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Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Major General Ret. Norbert J. Rappl
1930 - 2022
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MSG (ret.) Patrick Thorpe posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
To the family of MG Rappl,
Please accept my sincerest condolences in regards to the loss of Norbert. I just learned of his passing a week after the fact so I apologize for not reaching out to you sooner.
I joined the Army in 1985 and I retired in 2006. The majority of my military career was spent with the 98th Division.
Of all of my years that I spent with the 98th Division, there is no way I could ever say that during my time I was there, that were was ever a better 98th Division Commander than MG Norbert Rappl. He was hands down the best that I ever worked for.
Although I was only a Private while he was there, Norbert was the face of the 98th Division, and he was the face of Rochester. At the same time he was the 98th Division Commander, a man by the name of Reagan was living in the White House and between the two, it was a great time to be in the military. During Norbert's tenure as Division Commander I had always felt that there was no way of beating down the 98th Division because at that time we were among the best in the business. Back then when you saw Norbert, you thought of the 98th Division, when you saw the 98th Division, you thought of Norbert. Even after retirement, that never changed.
On a sad note, I never knew how good he was until he had retired because when I came in, I never knew that there was anything other than greatness.
With that being said, MG Rappl left a huge impact on my life during my two years he was 98th Division Commander. As a former soldier who served under his command, if I can feel the loss of only serving under him for two years, I cannot imagine the hole he has left in your family. I'm sure the MG Rapple that I knew was only the tip of the iceberg in comparison to the husband, father, grandfather that you all knew.
Please accept my condolences in your loss
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Kim May lit a candle
Sunday, March 27, 2022
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To the entire Rappl family,
My sincere sympathy to each of you and thank you for sharing him with us in so many ways. I would run into him and he would remember my name and would say “you know my daughter!” He always had a smile and it is a huge loss not just for all of you but our community too. May the memories you have surround you with love and bring you thru this difficult time.
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TIM & EADIE STREB posted a condolence
Saturday, March 26, 2022
It was with deep sorrow that we heard of General Rappl's passing into his eternal reward. Serving with him for many years was an honor and a privilege. He was truly a pillar of his community. We lost a friend, the community lost a benefactor, and the world lost a true leader. Our sincere condolences to Bernice, and to all of the General's family and friends. May he rest in eternal peace.
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Kyra and Dave Niklewicz lit a candle
Friday, March 25, 2022
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Our deepest sympathies to Bernie and family...
Norb was devoted to his family and church, and he was a model for all. May he rest in peace, and the Lord's love bring you peace and comfort.
Sincerely, Kyra and Dave Niklewicz
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Nancy E ACOSTA posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
My sincere condolences to the Rappl family. I share in your loss and send my prayers.
I am a friend with Carolyn and Ed Maier in Greenville SC.
Carolyn has shared many memories about her father and I know that he will be greatly missed.
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Tribute Store
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
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C S. McNeace posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Our sincere sympathy is extended to all of the family. May your memories of this great man always bring a smile to your face before any tears. He was a role model of everything a husband, father, friend, citizen, businessman and faithful servant of God should be. He will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him.
Thank you for sharing the memorial video.
Sincerely,
Bill and Cathy McNeace
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Rosemary Luzum posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
I did not know Gen. Rappl personally, though I suspect my husband, Capt. Gerald Luzum, did. We mostly saw him at veterans' functions, such as the annual dinner at The Diplomat. I appreciate his many contributions to the Rochester community, the military service and our nation. We need more dedicated, ethical military persons in today's messed up world. My thoughts and prayers go to his family in this difficult time. Rosemary Luzum
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WILLIAM MACK pledged to donate to St. Kateri Christ The King Church
Monday, March 21, 2022
With deepest sympathy as you remember Norbert.
LeChase Construction
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Dennis E. DeMeyer posted a condolence
Monday, March 21, 2022
My sincere condolences to MG Rappl's friends and family. I had the pleasure of serving under MG Rappl for many years. I will never forget how he went to the 1st Army commander and tried to persuade him to allow me to stay in service after I, and a lot of other officers, were forced to retire during a budget crunch. He was a great leader, and I counted him as a friend.
RIP, sir. You deserve it.
Dennis E. DeMeyer COL, USA (Ret)
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Steven Momano uploaded photo(s)
Monday, March 21, 2022
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My respect and admiration for Major General Rappl has only grown over the years. A stalwart supporter of veterans, he always attended VFW Post 16 formal events and "showed the flag" on each and every important day of remembrance, which I (as a Navy veteran) greatly appreciated. He was everything a General Officer should be, in my opinion: Dignified, honorable, trustworthy, humble, and decisive. He led by example and contributed a lifetime of service, both in and out of uniform. He represented the best qualities of leadership, integrity, and decency when his beloved Country and his Army needed it most. I shall miss him. With great fondness and respect, CAPT Steven F. Momano, USN (Ret.)
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Daniel E. Mossien posted a condolence
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Norbert was one of my most favorite Generals. As a matter of fact I had never met a General…..We had great fun together on the Board of Governors for the Builders Exchange of Rochester. A truly friendly distinguished gentleman who would do anything to help humanity. His obituary barely covers what this great man has done and how many lives he had touched. At every board meeting I sat between Norbert and Dick Ash; my two idols of the industry. We will miss you dearly General Norbert. Dan Mossien
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JoAnn Wagner pledged to donate to St. Kateri Christ The King Church
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Dear Laurie,
May God's love and mercy comfort you in this time of grief.
Love,
Mike & JoAnn Wagner
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Ray Edward Elliott posted a condolence
Sunday, March 20, 2022
I'm very sorry to hear of the Passing of General Rappl. I was a member of the 98th Div. Band and General Rappl was a great supporter and friend of the band. He was well respected by all of the members of the 98th Division and those of us that served under him will continue to remember him with respect and admiration for all he did for the Division.
SSGT (RET) Ray Elliott
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Ed Ramsperger posted a condolence
Sunday, March 20, 2022
SGM (R) Ed Ramsperger
I had the good fortune to be his driver for several active duty tours when I first joined the 98th. Through my many years with various units within the 98th, I had the opportunity to observe and learn from this Leader. He was generous with his time, always supportive to the troops and their families.
He was a true leader in our comm unity and military.
My condolences to his wife and family. He will be missed.
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Maryfran and Ken Fettinger posted a condolence
Sunday, March 20, 2022
A soldier's soldier, a gentleman's gentleman, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. Norb was all of these and a dear friend, too.
You will be truly missed "Mon Général"!
"Old Sodiers Never Die, They Simply Fade Away"
Maryfran and Ken Fettinger
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MG(R) Mike & Sue Eyre posted a condolence
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Always remembered for his tireless service to God, Country, and Community … thankful for the opportunity to have served with him … and recalling our last chat while waiting for our respective flights home!!
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Sharon Franco Hinkle posted a condolence
Sunday, March 20, 2022
My sincerest condolences to all of you for your loss. I have very happy memories of him, and your whole family, growing up across the street in Irondequoit. We shared a wonderful history at the perfect time to be children. I think of all of us at that time being raised by the whole neighborhood, always watched and safe. Mr Rappl…aka THE General had a great dry sense of humor, and always had a smile to share. In my heart, he holds a special place. When both of my parents passed away at the same time he participated in the mass, and spoke during the service. I have never and will never forget that act of kindness on his part. May God hold you all in the palm of his hand and may he Rest In Peace. You are in our prayers.
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Mary E. Johnson posted a symbolic gesture
Sunday, March 20, 2022
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My sincere condolences, prayers and sympathy to the family! I had the honor of serving under General Rappl's command during my tenure at the 98th and he very quickly became a favorite Officer and Gentleman. He truly cared about the welfare of all his soldiers regardless of rank; he was tough but fair! He was highly respected throughout the Command. He always spoke to everyone and made time to talk with you if need be. I will always fondly remember him! May God Bless each of you during your time of bereavement!
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Robert F. Searle posted a condolence
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Always a friend and support of the Chaplains and Chaplain Assistants (UMT), MG Rappl led by example, demonstrated the resiliency of faith, and its importance for the military.
Prayers are with the entire family and in celebration of MG Rappl's life. Well done good and faithful servant!!! LTC Ret. Robert F. Searle, Chaplain.
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Rebecca Lloyd posted a symbolic gesture
Sunday, March 20, 2022
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Rest in peace dear Norbert.
Rebecca Lloyd (NYS CMA)
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COL and Mrs Laurence Feasel posted a condolence
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Leader, mentor, guide, family focused, lay ecclesial minister, friend - Norb, you were all these. Fifty four years of interaction with Anne and me have touched us and keep you at the forefront of our memories. Your earthen shell wore out, but not your spirit. It is with us still. And Bernie, partner in faith, family and service to the nation, you are in our continuing prayers.
COLONEL and Deacon Larry and Anne Feasel
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Todd Arnold posted a condolence
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Our condolences to the Rappl family. The 98th was always blessed to have him as its leader and friend, and we were honored to serve with him. Rest In Peace, sir.
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CPT David Englert posted a condolence
Sunday, March 20, 2022
My career in the 98th Division began just as General Rappl retired. Years after he retired he called me one day as an ombudsman. It felt as if I was talking to a General and also an old friend at the same time. A truly wonderful person. Condolences to the family.
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Katie Knapp posted a condolence
Sunday, March 20, 2022
My sincerest condolences to the family and especially to Bernice. When I was a brand new 2LT, my father (Tom Knapp) was my "date" for the 98th Division Ball that year. Bernice danced with my dad most of the night because MG Rappl was always "busy". Bernice said I had every right to ask Himself to dance with me because she had stolen my dance partner/date...but I was too intimidated to do so. I heard that MG Rappl fought tirelessly to keep the 98th Division (Rappl's Raiders) in NY -- even funding his own trips to Washington. He was highly respected and much beloved. He truly cared for each and every one of the soldiers in his command. If I had asked him for that dance, he would have graciously agreed and then made me feel like it was he who felt honored. CH (LTC) Katie Knapp
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tom knapp pledged to donate to St. Kateri Christ The King Church
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Rest in peace, my good friend.
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Rose Hart posted a condolence
Sunday, March 20, 2022
So sorry for your loss. MG Rappl was the Division Commanding General when I first joined the 98th DIV HQ on Goodman. As a PFC,I was the lowest ranking person in the building-by at least 3 ranks. Fresh out of Basic -scared of senior officers. MG Rappl never made me feel less of a Soldier and made sure everyone knew their job was just as important. Great leader! Rest In Peace MG Rappl.
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Karon A Lewis posted a condolence
Sunday, March 20, 2022
I am so sorry to hear about Norb's passing. He was such a good man. He was always so good to me, but he did like to tease me. I remember when I was a unit commander on our two week active duty in Virginia. He came down to visit the Post. Daddy told him that I was there , so he dropped by for a visit. Well, I knew how strac he was, and I wanted to impress him.. After all, he was one of my many " 98th Division uncles" I had our area spic and span, my troops all lined up for inspection when he arrived... I had told my people how tough this General can be, etc.. well, he walked in, we stood at attention, he approached, I saluted, and then with that big smile of his, he gave me a big hug and kiss. My people had to fight breaking down into laughter.. Norb said he was just so proud of me. I always knew I could go to him for anything...But if I was wearing pants,..he would say something...lol.
Due to physical issues, I will not be able to see you all in person, but know that I send you all my love and blessings. Hold onto each other. Know that right now those memories might be painful, but, eventually, though you might still cry, when you think of him, there will be such warmth and a feeling of safety. You all now have the best guardian Angel.. and know, that my Mommie and Daddy were up there greeting him with open arms...
All my love and All God's Blessings, Karon A. Lewis, MAJ USAR Ret.
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H S Enter lit a candle
Sunday, March 20, 2022
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My sincerest condolences to the family of MG Rappl, he set a high standard in all his endeavors. Rest in peace, job well done.
LTC H. Scott Enter (Ret)
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The family of Major General Ret. Norbert J. Rappl uploaded a photo
Friday, March 18, 2022
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