Theodore "Ted" A. Rapaelian

Theodore Arthur Rapaelian, age 90, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Hospice House, Pleasant Prairie. He was born in Racine, WI on February 7, 1935, to the late Dadour and Elizabeth (nee: Majerkian) Rapaelian.

Ted graduated from Washington Park High School “Class of 1953”. He proudly served in the U.S. Airforce stationed in Lincoln (Nebraska) Airforce Base 1955-1958. There, he met the love of his life, Phyllis, on a blind date. On April 25, 1959, they were united in marriage and were fortunate enough to celebrate 66.5 years together. From that union they had three beautiful daughters Kimberly (Kevin) Becker, Kristi (Robert) Tattershall, and Kay (Kevin) Stich; five grandchildren Shannon (Brian) DeHart, Ryan Tattershall, Anna Stich, Johnathon Stich, and Michael Stich; one great-granddaughter Elaine DeHart, with a great-grandson on the way. Ted is also survived by sisters-in-law Patricia Hoffman and Claudia Rapaelian, along with cherished nieces and nephews.

While raising his family, he was an active member of St. Rita's Catholic Church. Ted retired from S.C. Johnson in 1995, where he was a member of the 20-year club. He and Phyllis moved to Sun Lakes, AZ where they spent the winters and traveled back every summer to WI, finally moving back in 2024. He was a proud Packers owner and a Cubs fan. Ted enjoyed gardening and sharing the fruits of his labor with friends and family. He was an avid bowler and fisherman. Ted had a talent for fixing and repairing just about anything and was always willing to lend a helping hand or advice to those in need. Ted was the most comfortable out in the yard, whether cutting grass on the Bad Boy, rototilling, planting, watering and weeding. He enjoyed good Westerns and his four-legged granddoggers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Margaret (William) Aizenstat, Martha (Mike) Kaprelian, George (Jane), John, and Abe; sisters-in-law Georgia Rapaelian, Joan Rapaelian; and brother-in-law Darrol Hoffman.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Avenue, Friday, March 06, 2026, 11 am. with Rev. Howard Hasse officiating. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the Mass at 10 am - 11 am. Private Entombment with full military honors will take place 2:00 pm at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Dover, WI.

Memorials may be sent to Disabled Veterans of America and/or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.