Clara M. (Vaessen) Rapacz

Clara M. Rapacz, age 88, of Hancock, Wisconsin, passed away on Christmas day, December 25, 2023, at Heartland House, CBRF in Wautoma.

The daughter of Sylvester and Katherine (Stance) Vaessen, she was born on August 17, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois. She was the beloved wife of the late Donald S. Rapacz. They were blessed with nearly 57 years of marriage and four loving children. Mother of Cindy Kilian, Tammy Jones, and Kathy (Donny) Daniels; preceded in death by her daughter Donna; cherished grandmother of Heather, Courtney, Ashley, Kirsten, Zachary, Ryan, and Jessica; great-grandmother to Madison, Olivia, Remy, and Anthony; fond sister of Jackie Lorenz, Dale (Janet) Vaessen, Kathy Grabowski, and Ted Vaessen; preceded in death by brother Wayne Vaessen.

Clara spent her early life in Chicago, but her true happiness came from living on the lake in Wisconsin during her and Don’s later years. Spending time with family was her greatest joy, from long summer days in the pool with her grandkids, to paddle boating on the lake. She could always be found soaking up the sun, cooking and baking for Don and the rest of her always hungry family, and petting her beloved late kitty, Annie. Clara had a joyful disposition and  was always the first to tell a funny story and laugh at her own mishaps.