Helen Aurora (Pelser) Rapp, 85, of Sherman, formerly of Springfield, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at The Villas Senior Care. Helen was born on February 3, 1940, in Springfield, to George and Daisy Ann (Covington) Pelser. Helen married Leslie F. Rapp on August 29, 1958, and he preceded her in death on January 2, 1999.
She is also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Arthur Gene Rapp; one brother, Edward “Eddie” Pelser; three sisters, Barbara Long, Virginia Hurt, Rosemary Saner, and infant sister, Judith Pelser.
Helen is survived by her three children, Sandy K. Rapp of Sherman, Betsy (Joseph) Tucker of Greenview, and Leslie F. Rapp II of Sherman; one brother, Martin Pelser of Springfield; four grandchildren, Crystal Tucker, Angela Reimann, Brittany Whitman, and Joseph Tucker; Thirteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Helen worked at Horace Mann for 35+ years before she retired. In her free time, she enjoyed reading and crossword puzzles. She adored spending time with family, along with watching her great-grandchildren and grand dogs.
Visitation: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Monday, December 8, 2025, at Staab Funeral Home – Sherman.
Funeral Service: 8:30 am, Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Staab Funeral Home – Sherman with Pastor Paul Rose officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Sheriffs' Association, 3050 Montvale Dr, Springfield, IL 62704.
Share stories & photos at StaabObituary.com
©2025 All Content Obituary Systems
“Professional Responsibility” protects the daily obituary. LocalObituary.com and the Authorized Licensed Funeral Provider “Thank You for Helping.”
Notice
To the extent allowed under State law, the decedent’s name, image and likeness are protected under this State’s Right of Publicity laws and should not be reproduced, copied, distributed, republished, or otherwise displayed for commercial purposes unless specifically authorized.
© All Content Obituary SystemsTM, LLC