Celebrating 100 years of Indiana Artists

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear friend, former board president, distinguished Indiana orthopedic surgeon and philanthropic leader Dr. George F Rapp.  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.

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. 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.”

Dr. Rapp began his practice in Orthopeadic Surgery in Indianapolis following his discharge from the US Army in 1964. This would be his focus for the next 40 plus years. He served many positions while at St. Vincent Hospital including 18 years as the Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program. He enjoyed working with and helped to mentor a multitude of residents and was so thankful for all the residents, staff, and colleagues that he was privileged to work alongside during his career.

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, and started an annual Plein Air Paint Out, The First Brush of Spring that celebrated its 25th year in 2024.  He was the President of the Board of Directors of the Hoosier Salon, and a Life Member of the Indiana Plein Air Painters.

“George, Peggy, and Maggie (George’s sister-in-law, former Gallery Director of the 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

In 1994, for his dedication and support of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Dr. Rapp received the Spirit of Philanthropy Award. The Indiana Medical Industry Forum honored him in 1998 with the World of Difference Award for Lifetime Achievement. St. Vincent Hospital rewarded his service with the 1999 Distinguished Physician Award. And, the University Club of Indianapolis commemorated his valued service with the 1999 Man-of-the-Year Award for Medicine and Philanthropy. An acclaimed Hoosier humanitarian and philanthropist, he was awarded the Otis R. Bowen Leadership Award in 2000, and in 2002 & 2007, he earned the Distinguished Alumni Service Award from Indiana University. He was also given the Sagamore of the Wabash award in 2002. He and Peggy were honored with the Living Legends award in 2013 by the Historical Society of Indiana. In 2019 Governor Eric Holcomb graciously awarded him 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.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, October 3rd at 11:00 at Second Presbyterian Church with calling to follow.  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 Art Salon, or the Rapp Ravine Garden @ Newfields.