It is with great sadness that we announce the death of distinguished Indiana orthopedic surgeon and philanthropic leader Dr. George F. Rapp.
Dr. George F. Rapp
George Frederick Rapp was born during the Great Depression in New Harmony, on Jan. 15, 1932. He grew up in that tiny town back in the day when family, neighbors and community were the glue that kept such small places intact, growing and prospering. There he learned valuable lessons about giving back to family, profession, community and state.
In the early fall of his junior year at IU, George was accepted into Indiana University Medical School. He completed his medical training in 1957 and went on to serve an Orthopedic internship at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis from 1957 to 1958. In March 1956, George married the love of his life, Margaret “Peggy” MacNary, who graduated from IU with a B.S. degree in Education and then taught at an Indianapolis elementary school while George was in medical school.
George served in the U.S. Army from 1962-1964 in South Carolina as a Major in the U.S. Army Medical Corps at Fort Jackson.
Dr. Rapp began his practice in Orthopaedic Surgery in Indianapolis following his discharge from the US Army in 1964. This would be his focus for the next 40 plus years. He served many positions while at St. Vincent Hospital including 18 years as the Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program. He enjoyed working with and helped to mentor a multitude of residents and was so thankful for all the residents, staff and colleagues that he was privileged to work alongside during his career.
Dr. Rapp also served 20 years as the Director of the Scoliosis Clinic at Riley Hospital and was always interested in the advancement in the treatment of scoliosis.
Dr. Rapp contributed significantly to his profession through his design and development of advancements in the treatment of bone fractures. He invented a hip prosthesis for total hip replacement. He later co-founded BioTechnology which then turned into Sofamor Danek, and is now a division of Medtronic, the world’s largest manufacturers of spinal surgery instrumentation.
Dr. Rapp was in a multitude of organizations, serving in leadership positions for many. Some of these include: Orthopedics of Indiana (President & Sec/Treas), The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Representative for Orthopaedics for the American Medical Association, Crossroads of America Boy Scouts, Mid-America Orthopaedic Association (Founding member & President), Orthopaedic Overseas, Heartland Film Festival, Indiana Historical Society (Board of Directors), Board Examiner for the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons, The New Harmony Project, Scoliosis Research Society, Eskenazi Health Foundation, Gleaner’s Food Bank of Indiana, Acacia Fraternity Foundation, Historic Landmarks Foundation (Board Member), Riley Children’s Foundation, IUPUI Board of Advisors and Chairman of Arts Committee, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (National Board member), Indiana Medical History Museum, Hanover College, Rose-Hulman College (Honorary Doctorate), Posey County Community Foundation (Founding Member), Hoosier Salon (Past President & Board Member), University of Southern Indiana (New Harmony Board), Indiana University School of Medicine Alumni Association (Lifetime Board member)
Dr. Rapp was a great champion of education and supporter of the arts. He and Peggy helped to form the Hoosier Salon of New Harmony, starting an annual Plein Air Paint Out that celebrated its 25th year in 2024. A trip to Kenya through the organization Orthopedics Overseas led the Rapp’s to get involved with building additional operating suites in Eldoret, Kenya with the help of the IU Medical School and the Second Presbyterian Church. IU has since taken this program to other countries and it continues to grow in its efforts to educate surgeons and improve medical and surgical care. Dr. Rapp also sponsored several fellows from China who often lived with he and Peggy.
In 1994, for his dedication and support of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Dr. Rapp received the Spirit of Philanthropy Award. The Indiana Medical Industry Forum honored him in 1998 with the World of Difference Award for Lifetime Achievement. St. Vincent Hospital rewarded his service with the 1999 Distinguished Physician Award. And, the University Club of Indianapolis commemorated his valued service with the 1999 Man-of-the-Year Award for Medicine and Philanthropy. An acclaimed Hoosier humanitarian and philanthropist, he was awarded the Otis R. Bowen Leadership Award in 2000, and in 2002 & 2007, he earned the Distinguished Alumni Service Award from Indiana University. He was also given the Sagamore of the Wabash award in 2002. He and Peggy were honored with the Living Legends award in 2013 by the Historical Society of Indiana. In 2019 Governor Eric Holcomb graciously awarded him the Sachem Award, the State of Indiana’s highest honor.
George Frederick Rapp’s legacy is unique when viewed from the perspective of the gracious and generous benefactor he chose to become and in living by his favorite and personal motto:
“Give as much as you can, in as many ways as you can, for as many people as you can, for as long as you can!”
George loved his family with his whole heart. He and Peggy had two sons, John G. Rapp and James D. Rapp. They were involved in all aspects of their sons’ lives and supported them in all their endeavors. He enjoyed spending the summers at their Lake Wawasee cottage watching all the kids’ activities. He and Peggy also hosted a multitude of family and friends to their home on Sanibel Island. Known as Dad to his sons and Papa to his 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, he leaves a legacy of using his talents to heal, teach, give, and he always had a story to tell.
He is survived by his sons John (Leslie) Rapp, James (Patty) Rapp, 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, his brother Ernest Rapp, sister Helen Nefkens and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Peggy Rapp.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 11 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church with calling to follow. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: The George & Margaret Rapp Student Scholarship Fund at the Indiana University School of Medicine, Second Presbyterian Church, Hoosier Salon or the Rapp Ravine Garden at Newfields.
Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th St., Indianapolis, is assisting with funeral arrangements. Visit the website to share a personal memory of George.