Kenneth L. Rapalee
January 12, 1918-December 28, 2014

Ken left this world on December 28, 2014. He leaves behind his wife, Dolores, son Richard, daughter Marilyn (Dr. Mark) McCaulley, Grandsons Colin and Evan McCaulley.

Ken was born in Elgin, Illinois, where he met his wife, Dolores Deming. He attended the Art Institute, but his real interest was photography. Ken married Dolores, and within months his draft number of 101 provided him with an “invitation” to join the US Army. He attended Officer Candidate school, and was promptly sent to Africa. He was subsequently stationed in France, Germany, Austria and Italy, spending 4 ½ years in the army in the anti-aircraft division as a Lieutenant. While stationed overseas, he taught photography to fellow soldiers. When the war was over, he returned to his wife, and began work at R.R. Donnelley in Chicago, where he was employed for 50 years.

Ken has received honors from the Photographic Society of America, and was a judge and participant at both national and international photographic contests. He was president of several camera clubs, including the Chicago Area Camera Club Association.

Ken and Dolores traveled extensively in Europe and nationally. They prepared and presented travelogues to many camera clubs and libraries. His pictures have appeared in 16 books, 2 camera magazines, and were featured on 2 covers of the Rand McNally Europe Atlas.

Ken and Dolores spent many summers in Steamboat Springs to be with their family. There is an incredible amount of photographic documentation of those days. Ken was able to take his grandchildren fishing, which they both remember very fondly.

Ken was a baseball enthusiast, and took Rick to games all over the country. Ken loved music and ballroom dancing, but mostly he and Dolores shared their passion for travel.

A memorial service will be Saturday, January 3rd at the Chapel at Three Crowns Park. There will be another life celebration at a future date in Steamboat Springs.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Horizons Specialized Services, P.O. 774867, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, 80477 (please note it is memorial for Ken Rapalee) or to any charity of your choice.