Gerald (Jerry) Rappe' MD

Dr. Rappe’, the well regarded and loved physician, passed away at his home on November 15 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Dr. Rappe’ was born in Portland, Oregon. He graduated from North Catholic High School, received a Bachelor of Science from University of Oregon, and graduated from The University of Oregon Medical School in Portland as a Doctor of Medicine. He completed graduate study and clinical work for Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. He worked at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, completing a rotating one-year internship including delivering about 100 babies! He then spent four years in a general pathology residency. He and his wife Christine Richardson of 16 years had two children, Richard and Susan. Major Gerald A. Rappe’ served in the Army Medical Corp at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was the recipient of the Concerned Patient Award, continuously demonstrating exceptional and warm understanding towards patients in his job as Chief, Department of Pathology. Major Gerald A. Rappe’ was honorably discharged from the US Army on March 8, 1979, then moved with his family to Washington State. Dr. Rappe’ spent his entire career at Wenatchee Valley Clinic and the Central Washington Hospital in General Pathology until his retirement in 2006. He was the first physician to work full-time at the hospital while others all worked on rotation. He created the Autologous Transfusion Program, a system in which people donate their own blood prior to surgeries. He consulted for the Red Cross, assisting with blood draws, where he was appreciated for his fine needle aspirations. Dr. Rappe’ was elected coroner on January 1, 1990, serving from Central Washington to the Canadian border through August 31, 2000. His analytical skills solved many criminal cases, protecting the community from violence and disease. During his career, he performed nearly 2000 autopsies, analyzed thousands of surgical specimens (both medical and forensic), and investigated 30 murder cases; one case featured Dr. Rappe’ on the television series Hard Copy. Dr. Rappe’ married local pianist Teri Wahl on September 19, 1987, after contacting her about piano lessons. They enjoyed 38 years together, traveling, attending concerts, watching movies, and performing in Apollo Club; Teri as the pianist and Jerry singing tenor. Their favorite weekly activity was their Thursday night dinner date, which continued throughout their time together, developing into takeout at home to accommodate Jerry’s health. Favorite travel memories include a visit to Orcas Island, paddling around in a two-person kayak, a three-week cruise through The Panama Canal, ending in a weekend in New York City, and a cruise to Alaska to view the stunning glaciers. Other vacations included spring and fall trips to The Oregon Coast visiting Wildlife Safari Pet Zoo; a treasured highlight where Jerry especially enjoyed holding the baby animals. Jerry lived a very active lifestyle, hiking, backpacking, and rowing, participating in The Ridge to River Race, hiking The Pacific Crest Trail, and visiting Tahiti to kayak around Rangiora. This contributed to his longevity despite the debilitating Parkinson’s Disease. Jerry also suffered from Retinitis Pigmentosa, which did not stop his enjoyment of the arts. He loved listening to Teri play the piano and they attended many concerts together. Other lifelong hobbies included listening to audiobooks from many different genres and caring for chickens and other birds in the beautiful back yard of their home. Jerry was a kind and generous son, brother, husband, father, stepfather, uncle, and grandfather. He was well known for his helpfulness, encouragement, and courtesy. He generously supported the community and was known throughout for his kind words, gentle sprit, and sense of humor. Jerry is survived by his wife of 38 years, Teri Rappe’, brother Randall Rappe’, son and wife Rick and Kate Rappe’, granddaughters Lindsey and Maya, daughter and husband Susie and Dave Stueck, grandchildren Alayna and Austin, and stepdaughter Maradee Wahl. During this holiday season, Teri is especially grateful for 38 wonderful years with such a loving husband. Arrangements by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Gerald (Jerry) Rappe' MD

January 6, 1944 - November 15, 2025