Clarence E. Rappe, Sr.

Clarence "Blankets" E. Rappe, Sr., 84, of Bethlehem, PA passed away Sunday, October 23, 2011 at Manor Care Health Services II in Bethlehem. Born April 21, 1927 in Allentown he was the son of the late Emily Reilly and Edward Rappe. He was married to the late Betty Jane Kerchner Rappe with whom he celebrated 63 years of marriage this past April 24th.

Clarence proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He then went on to work for the Bethlehem Steel.

Clarence will be lovingly remembered by his sons, Roland Rappe and wife Carol, of Bath, PA and Clarence Rappe, Jr. and wife Amelia, of Warriors Mark, PA; daughters, Marylou Horning and fianc Larry Kramer, of Bethlehem and Shirley Ann Kratzer and husband Richie, of Quakertown; sisters, June Holzer and husband Eugene, of Bethlehem and Sylvia Roecher and Husband Charles of GA. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Karl Rappe.

A funeral service will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at the Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem, PA 18018. A viewing will be from 6-8 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made in Clarence's name to the Disabled American Veteran's National Service Foundation 3725 Alexandria Pike Cold Spring, KY 41076.