It is with great sadness that we announce the death of distinguished Indiana orthopedic surgeon and philanthropic leader Dr. George Frederick Rapp (January 15, 1932 – September 26, 2024). Indiana artists (and well beyond) are mourning the loss of a beloved supporter of the arts.
George Frederick Rapp was born during the Great Depression in New Harmony, Indiana, on January 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.
George started the First Brush of Spring in New Harmony, Indiana 26 years ago. He was the President of the Board of Directors of the Hoosier Salon, and a Life Member of the Indiana Plein Air Painters.
“Dr. George F. Rapp and his wife Peggy were two of the greatest art patrons in the State of Indiana,” said artist CW Mundy. “They were involved in financing and maintaining the 100- year-old Hoosier Salon and also establishing the art colony in New Harmony, Indiana. They financed the National Art Museum of Sport located at the world-renowned Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. We’ve never met a more generous couple.”
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 BS degree in Education and then taught at an Indianapolis elementary school while George was in medical school.
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 what has become a division of Medtronic, the world’s largest manufacturer of spinal surgery instrumentation.
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.
“George, Peggy, and Maggie (Peggy’s sister, Manager, Hoosier Salon Art Gallery) were some of my favorite people in the world and now they are gone. They made the careers of so many artists over the years. The most generous, loving people ever. I miss them so terribly and pray for comfort for the family. I will never forget, one of my favorite things that George would often say to me was, ‘Tell you what we ought to do…’ and I knew it was going to be a great adventure.” ~Victoria Gillieron
Dr. Rapp has received many awards and recognitions for his philanthropy, in both the medical field and visual arts, including 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!”
“Such a wonderful man and such a humble spirit in spite of the incredible legacy he had. I am so sorry to read of his passing but I know he is loving being reunited with Peggy. Prayers for comfort for his family. Well done indeed George!” ~Diane Overmyer
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. 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. 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 @ Newfields.
