Mary Ellen Rapp

Mary Ellen (Donker) Rapp, age 80, passed away peacefully on February 3rd, 2026, after battling glioblastoma. Her life was a testament to kindness, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family, friends, and faith. Mary had a heart of gold, truly one of the most genuine people you will ever meet.

Mary was born in Oshkosh, WI, on August 2nd, 1945, and graduated from Lourdes Academy in 1963. Mary worked at WI Telephone Company, City Hall, and retired from Oshkosh City Employees Credit Union after 27 years. Mary was an active member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ where she served faithfully on the Christian Board of Education, the Altar Committee, and taught Sunday school. Her service reflected her deep spiritual commitment and her desire to nurture others in both faith and fellowship.

Mary married David Rapp in 1969. The Rapp family immediately embraced Mary as if she was one of their own quickly became a favorite family member. In their 56 years of marriage, they enjoyed boating, family road trips, and evenings at home, which Mary always described as her “happy place”. The couple welcomed two daughters and Mary’s greatest role in life emerged, being a mother. Becky and Brooke will never forget her laugh, calming voice, warm hugs, and always being there when her girls needed her. Mary was the heart of the family, a source of endless love and strength.

Mary’s childhood spirit shined brightly when her granddaughter, Grace, was born. Grandma Mary played pretend with Grace for endless hours, both giggling the entire time. Turns out Mary would have made a wonderful vet tech, nurse, teacher, or mid-wife.

Mary made sure to set time aside for her friends, some of which she has known since kindergarten. Mary never missed an opportunity to support family or spend quality time with her siblings to create a variety of mischief. Stories of the Donker siblings and their many adventures are legendary. Their upbringing ensured a lifetime of tight-knit bonds.

Those who knew Mary often described her as an angel—someone who always put others before herself. She had a remarkable ability to find joy in everyday moments and never took herself too seriously. Her infectious giggle could light up a room, and her sense of humor made her a joy to be around. Mary's humility and selflessness were among her most cherished qualities.

Mary's love extended beyond people to animals as well. Her home was always shared with rescued furry companions who found not just shelter but unconditional love under her care. Her family is comforted by all the passed on furry family members that ran to greet her at heaven’s gate, wondering which one got to Mary first.

Her compassion for animals was matched by her creativity—she delighted in knitting afghans for friends and family, each one crafted with care and affection. Mary practiced calligraphy, ensuring every card had a touch of the lost art. She also found joy in decorating her window boxes for every season, bringing beauty and cheer to those who passed by. Halloween held a special place in Mary's heart. She embraced the holiday with enthusiasm and passed that spirit on to her daughters, creating lasting memories filled with joy and imagination. Her daughters still chuckle about being picked up from elementary school by their mother dressed as a witch, green face and all.

Mary Ellen Rapp leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, and service. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her. Mary’s life will be celebrated in the spring when the red tulips are blooming.

Mary is survived by her husband, David Rapp; daughters, Becky (Eddy) Guzman and Brooke (Ben) Dehne; granddaughter, Grace Guzman; siblings, Carla Nigl, Susan (Jim) Schroeder, Vikki Sadoff, Jim (Casey) Donker, and Micheal (Darlene) Donker; sisters-in-law, Mary (John) Speaker and Stephanie (Jeff) Kintopf; brother-in-law, Joe Scherer; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Louise (Nigl) Donker; brother, Bill Donker; and mother- and father-in-law, Reverend Eugene and Lillian (Adler) Rapp; and sister-in-law, Sara (Rapp) Scherer.

In honor of Mary's lifelong compassion for others and Mary’s personal request, in lieu of flowers, monetary gifts will be donated to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society and the Emmanuel United Church of Christ food pantry in her memory and honor.

Mary and her family would like to thank the following: ThedaCare Cancer Center, Dr. Bovi and Dr. Phillp and their treatment teams, Dr. Garry Brown, Compassus Hospice, and the many friends and family for the thoughtful texts, cards, food, calls, visits, and unwavering love and support.