Thaddeus "Gene" E. Rapsin

Thaddeus E. "Gene" Rapsin, 75, passed away on August 25, 2024, peacefully in his home in Surprise, AZ, surrounded by family. Born on September 15, 1948, in Neustadt, Germany, Gene dedicated 36 years of service as a machine operator and union shop steward at Caterpillar Tractor on McDonough n St in Joliet, IL, before retiring. Never one to sit still, he worked as a security guard at Arena Auction in Bolingbrook, IL before his final retirement in 2010.

Gene was known for his hardworking, fun-loving, and kind nature, and he was deeply involved in political matters, reflecting his commitment to his beliefs.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 yrs, Connie J. (nee Weller) Rapsin; children, Shelley (Keith) Vance, Todd (Kate) Rapsin, Shawn (Jeff) Maxwell, and Michael Rapsin; grandchildren, Jack Vance, Tuyler Rapsin, and Jacob Rapsin; and great-grandchild, Amelia. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Regina Rapsin, and his brother, Richard L Rapsin.

Services to honor Gene’s life will be held at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Rd, Joliet, IL 60435, on Saturday Sept 7th, 2024. Visitation will be from 9am to 11am, followed by a short service before proceeding to the gravesite at Plainfield Township Cemetery.