Jeffery D. Rapp

Jeffery D. Rapp, 48, of Rock Island, IL, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in Orlando, FL.  Cremation Rites have been accorded and will be performed by Newcomer Funerals & Receptions, in Orlando, FL.  Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel will be assisting the family with arrangements.  The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life at Cambridge Public Library on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.  Memorials may be directed to the family, which will be distributed amongst Jeffery’s favorite charities.

Jeff was born January 27, 1976, in Geneseo, IL, the son of Harland and Cindy (Wachtel) Rapp.  He grew up in Cambridge where he attended the Cambridge United Methodist Church and graduated from Cambridge High School.  He then attended Morrison Institute of Technology, Morrison, IL, where he received a degree in Architectural CAD in 1996.  After getting his degree he moved to Tampa, FL for a few months, then moved to Orlando, FL where he was hired by Walt Disney World in the architectural office and Epcot.  Through the years he enjoyed working at all the parks.  He last worked at Hollywood Disney where he worked as a coordinator/trainer.  He worked with management, employees, customers, and others. Daily, he led meetings to pass on important updates and communications for the employees who worked under him.  He was called in occasionally for crowd control for the safety of his employees and park guests.  He also had filled in when needed for payroll, cash handling, merchandise, foods, custodial, ticketing, entertainment, attractions, and more.  He most recently was employed at Bally’s in Rock Island.

He moved back to the Quad Cities area in 2022 to help take care of his dad who had multiple health issues.  Jeff loved getting his family and friends into all the Disney parks for free and was excited whenever someone came to visit.  Jeff loved his dog, Chip and cat, Salsa.  He loved traveling to Australia and Japan and hoped to go back.  He also liked to go camping whenever he could and spend time with his friends and family.  Every year he hosted an Easter and Christmas party since so many of his friends were also not originally from Florida.

Those left to cherish his memories are his mom, Cindy Rapp; brother, Jon (Katie) Rapp of Aledo; sisters, Dawn (Lucky) Lang of Bettendorf and Angela Rapp of Cambridge; aunts, Elaine VanSkike, Donna Rapp, Sharon (Gerry) Verstraete, Patricia (John) Seys, and Cindy (Marvin) VanDyke; nephews, Skyler (Calli) Rapp, Ricky (Amanda) Anderson, Anthony Anderson; nieces, Veronika Lang, Ashley Anderson, Alexa (Zach) Lower, and Alicia Anderson; eight great-nephews; one great-niece; and numerous cousins.

Jeff was preceded in death by his dad, Harland Rapp; grandparents; Uncles Howard, Gary Rapp, Dennis Rapp, and Raymond VanSkike; aunt, Jackie Wachtel; and cousins, Lori Doyle, Dana VanDyke, and Frannie Wachtel.