Dorothy (Christoffersen) Rapp passed away on January 26, 2012 in Turlock, Ca. Dorothy was born on August 21, 1918 in the family home on the 20 acre family farm on Christoffersen Road in what was then known as the Tegner District.
Her family had settled there in 1913. Dorothy was the last of seven children born to Anders and Marie Christoffersen who were immigrants from Denmark. Her older sisters Ruth and Esther were born in Denmark. Her brother Enoch was born in Chicago where Anders worked for the Pullman railroad car company. Her sisters Edith and Martha and brother Holger were born in Minden, Nebraska where Anders farmed. Dorothy was first named Anna Margaret, but her niece Vivian said to name her Dorothy so her name became Dorothy Anna Margaret Christoffersen.
Dorothy lived in Turlock her entire life. Dorothy attended Tegner Grammer School, Turlock High School, and Modesto Junior College. Dorothy married her husband Kenneth Rapp in 1938. Dorothy began working for her brother Enoch as a bookkeeper at what was then called Christoffersen Poultry Egg and Feed Market. She later worked in payroll as the company grew into Valchris, Inc. turkey processing. She ended her career with Foster Farms who acquired ownership of Valchris. Dorothy and Ken raised their family on their family farm where they originally brooded and raised turkeys, had a dairy, and later grew alfalfa and almonds.
Both Dorothy and Ken are remembered for their strong faith in God and love for family. As a young girl Dorothy accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Dorothy and Ken were active members of Bethel Temple (Harvest Christian Center) where Dorothy taught Sunday school classes for over 30 years. Her husband Ken also taught Sunday school class in the early years. Dorothy was later active in organizing senior activities at Northside Assembly of God. Both she and her husband Ken were life members of Gideons International.
Both she and her husband Ken were active in 4-H club where both were 4-H leaders. In 4-H Dorothy taught homemaking and sewing classes.
There were many summers where the 4-H club had there summer camp in Yosemite Valley. Dorothy was a great organizer who planned several Rapp family re-unions at Crane Park in Turlock. Dorothy was active in organizing and planning the Skandifest events in Turlock.
She loved to entertain in her home and was known for large family gatherings on Christmas night where they would light the real candles on the Christmas tree in true Scandinavian tradition.
Dorothy is survived by her five children, Sharon Helm of Bellingham, Wa., Bonnevieve Suzawith of Basalt, Co., Ken Rapp, Jr of Turlock, Ca., Ted Rapp of Reno, Nv., and Margaret Tosti of Turlock, Ca.
Dorothy had eight grandchildren: Kristi Mayfield, Karl Rapp, Karina Rapp, Kurt Rapp, Patrick Rapp, Bobby Rapp (kia, 82nd Airborne, U.S.Army, Afganistan), Benjamin Quinn, and Luke Tosti. Dorothy had one great-grandchild: June Mayfield.
Visitation will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Saturday Jan. 28. at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd. in Turlock. A memorial service will be held at 2pm, Sunday, Jan. 29, also at Turlock Funeral Home. Burial will be private at Turlock Memorial Park.
Family requests memorial contributions be sent to Gideons International, P.O. Box 2566, Turlock, Ca. 95381 or Hospice of Emanuel, 825 Delbon Avenue, Turlock, Ca. 95382.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.turlockmemorialpark.com
Turlock Journal
Saturday, January 28, 2012
