Richard Lee “Dick” Rapp, 58, Dickinson, died Monday, October 7, 2019 at Sanford Health Bismarck. There will be a gathering of family and friends on Thursday, October 10, 2019 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a memorial service at 5 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service with Pastor Bob Simons officiating.
Dick was born on March 21, 1961 in Phoenix, Arizona, the second son born to Doyle and Ruth (Wilson) Rapp. The family moved to Dickinson in 1974 finally settling after living in many different states throughout the US for Doyle’s work. In 1985, Dick and his father started D&D Sprinkler Systems. Dick and his father worked together on the business for many years before Doyle semi-retired in 2008 leaving Dick to operate his booming business. In 2017, Doyle left ownership of D&D to Dick when he fully retired. Dick loved his business and kept it in the family by working with his wife and daughter.
During a night out at DJ’s Bar in Dickinson he met Rhonda Tipton and took her for a ride on “Angie” Dick’s ‘67 Triumph 550. He followed her home that night and they spent a wonderful five years together before Dick popped the question. The two were married on June 9, 1989 at the ABATE of ND Bike Rally and spent 35 wonderful years together. They later had two children Harley Rapp (29) and Crystal Rapp (25) and two step-sons Kevin Tipton (39) and Keith Steier (28) whom he loved as his own.
Something you hardly saw Richard without was his D&D Sprinklers shirts, hat, and his signature braid that Rhonda braided every morning before work. The world would spin counterclockwise if he was seen in public without any of these things. And those that knew him could find him anywhere by looking for the signature dark green shirt.
Richard had many hobbies that he enjoyed. He loved to camp up at Indian Creek and Skunk Bay with his family and friends as it was a way to unwind and spend quality time with his family. He enjoyed fishing with his closest of friends and children. He spent summer nights in the pool and warming himself by the firepit in the comforts of his own backyard. He also loved bingo on Thursday nights at the St. Anthony’s Club where he could spend quality time with his family and friends. He loved watching television in his downtime; shows such as The Curse of Oak Island, American Pickers, Pawn Stars, Star Trek, and many others.
Dick also enjoyed leisurely rides on his motorcycle when the weather was nice. He was known to decompress by hopping on his ‘06 Harley Davidson Sportster and heading to his favorite haunts or tinkering around on his motorcycle in the garage if the weather wasn’t conducive to ride.
Anyone who knew Richard knew he was a family man at heart and any opportunity to spend time with those he loved was enough for him. He was known to find great pride in his children’s accomplishments and found ways to show his support in his own way whether it be through a hug or a compliment of some kind. He was also known to give great hugs even if he picked on you during them.
