Russell Rapier

Russell F. Rapier, 54, of 318 University Ave., went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, December 5, 2002 at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois.

Services will be Monday, December 9, 2002; 1:00 P.M. at Evangelical Free Church with Pastor Randy Madison officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, both in Hastings, Nebraska.

Russell F. Rapier was born August 14, 1948 in El Paso, Texas to Grady Venson & Norma Mae (Person) Rapier. He graduated from York High School, Elmhurst, Illinois in 1966. He married Elizabeth Ann Petersen in Dannebrog, Nebraska in 1970 and graduated from Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois with a B.A. in sociology. He obtained his Masters in Christian Education from Denver Seminary, Denver, Colorado in 1973. He later earned a M.S. from the University of Nebraska, Omaha, in Agency Counseling. Since 1980, he was the director and Therapist at Hastings Christian Counseling. He moved to Hastings, Nebraska in 1980 where he had been active in the Hastings Evangelical Free Church where he served in many capacities including church chairman, Elder, Sunday School teacher and Awana leader. He served on the Board of Directors of Timberlake Ranch Camp overseeing the equestrian program. He was a member of the Board of Ministerial Standing for Midwest District of the EFCA. Additionally, he held memberships to the American Association of Christian Counselors, Sun Rise Rotary Club, Sand Hills Hunting and Jumping Club and Lochland Country Club.

Russell F. Rapier was preceded in death by his father.

Survivors include,
Wife: Elizabeth P. Rapier, MD - Hastings, NE
Daughters & Sons-in-law: Bethany Joy & Larry Glozier - Chicago, IL
Heidi Elizabeth & Tyler Thornberg - Los Angeles, CA
Mother: Norma Mae Rapier - Elmhurst, IL
Brothers & Sister-in-law: Grady Rapier - Portland, OR
William & Pam Rapier - Pretoria, South Africa
Sister & Brother-in-law: April Rapier & Charles Irvine - Houston, TX

Memorial may be given to Russell F. Rapier Memorial Fund

VISITATION:
Sun. 12-08-02; 2pm-8pm BVFH
Mon. 12-09-02; 8am-10am BVFH
Mon. 12-09-02; 11:30am till service at the church