William J. "Bill" Raupp's Obituary
Decatur – William “Bill” John Raupp, 89, of Decatur, passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2015, his mother’s birthday, in Imboden Creek Living Center surrounded by his family.
Bill was born February 3, 1926, in Decatur, IL the oldest son of Carl A. and Ruth O. (Theiss) Raupp. He attended St. James Elementary School, graduated from St. Teresa High School in 1944 where he was captain of the basketball team and played football. He was athlete of the year for the city of Decatur. He then attended Millikin University. Bill proudly served our country in the Navy at Port Hueneme, CA from July 1944 until July 1946, earning the SC/3C Victory Medal. He was co-owner of Raupp’s Shoes with his brother Jim, where he worked until his retirement in 2011. Bill was a founding member of Holy Family Catholic Church and member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and the Elks Club. Bill married Rita Marie Freischlag on November 26, 1947.
Surviving is his wife of 67 years, Rita; daughters: Linda Brilley of Decatur and Cynthia Villa of Morton, IL, and sons John Jr. of Manhattan, KS and Stephen (Deborah) of Chatham, IL; grandchildren: Shane (Amy) Brilley, Jason (Nicole) Putman, Jessica (Shannon) Snow, Jamie (Karen) Putman, Beck and Luke Raupp; great grandchildren: Liz, Cayden, Christian, Michael, Kate, Julia, Tyler, and Molly;. Bill is also survived by his brothers: Jim and Richard; sisters: Sr. Ruth Margaret Raupp, Nancy (Joe) Blanton, and Ruth Erker; numerous nieces and nephews; special friends: Bob Brilley, George Villa, and Chuck Thorpe
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Marguerite McNamara and Liz Barnett, and brothers-in-law Norbert McNamara, Robert “Bud” Barnett, and Gene Erker.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Imboden Creek Living Center and Harbor Lights Hospice for their care and love for Rita’s husband and our father.
Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate his life will be 11 am, Saturday March 28, 2015, at Holy Family Catholic Church; Very Rev. Joseph M. Molloy, V.F. celebrant. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am in the church. Entombment will follow in Mary Queen of Angels Mausoleum at Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Holy Family Catholic Church, St. Teresa High School, or the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Illinois.
The family of William “Bill” John Raupp is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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