Donald Raupp

Donald William Raupp was born on August 16, 1937 in Redlands, California. He passed peacefully in La Grande, Oregon on November 8, 2021. Service will be held at the Richland Community Church (formerly Richland Methodist Church) at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 24, 2021. Interment will follow at Eagle Valley Cemetery. 

Don grew up in the greater Sacramento area in California. He graduated from Elk Grove High School in 1955, and went on to attend Bethany Bible College, in Scotts Valley, California, graduating in 1960. After getting married, Don and his wife raised their family in California, living in the Trinity County area, in Santa Cruz, and in the Auburn area. He and his wife moved to Richland, Oregon in 2001 to enjoy retirement in a small rural community.

Don met his Sweetheart, LaVonne, when he was 16 years old at a church in Sacramento, where she and her family were performing. They met up often as both their families were very involved in church meetings and revivals. Don was particularly drawn to LaVonne’s sweet alto voice and accordion playing. Music became a central part of Don and LaVonne’s friendship, dating and throughout their marriage.

After years of friendship and flirting, Don finally “popped the question” and he and LaVonne were married on December 3, 1960. Don and LaVonne enjoyed over 55 years of marriage before his Sweetheart went to be with her Lord in early 2016.

Music was always a big part of Don’s life. He directed many choirs, cantatas and musical presentations throughout his adulthood, to include directing The Singing Christmas Tree in 1970 on the island of Maui, Hawaii where his parents lived. He was the music director at several churches in California, and he and LaVonne spent many years traveling around Northern California with their 4 children, Robert, Jonathan, Beverley and Zackary, performing in churches and at fairs. They were known as the Singing Raupp Family. Don played the stand up bass, sang and was the MC and “Entertainer” of the family singing group. Even as their family grew up and left home, Don and LaVonne continued singing together into to their old age, performing at church, community and Grange events.

Don enjoyed a long career as a construction contractor. He started in the field of construction, helping his dad, William Raupp, in his surveying company. He then moved into construction, mainly custom homes, when his best friend, Ron Woods, asked him to come work for him and “learn the trade.” Don eventually started his own construction company, The Raupp Company, building custom homes around the northern California areas of Auburn and Grass Valley. He eventually moved into commercial construction project management in the late 1980’s and 1990’s with both Uniwest Construction and Barry Swenson Builders of San Jose, CA. He spent many years working big projects and building relationships with his coworkers, whom he greatly admired. Upon retiring and moving to Richland, Oregon in 2001, he continued “tinkering” in construction; building sheds, small barns and doing remodeling projects for friends and neighbors around Eagle Valley.

After moving to Richland, Don became very active in the Eagle Valley Grange. He was a significant part of Eagle Valley Days (traditionally held Father’s Day weekend) from 2003 - 2015 . In addition to heading up the entertainment, he was also a strong proponent of the community church services on Sunday mornings followed by a barbecue and picnic. He encouraged games, family get togethers and old friends enjoying visiting in the park for the afternoon of Father’s Day. Don also helped put together the music and entertainment for the Grange’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting for several years.

One of Don’s favorite hobbies was photography. He loved capturing people and life through his camera. He was known for his wonderful candid shots capturing family and community events, and some awesome action shots at his sons’ and grandsons’ sports and swimming events. He was always very generous in sharing the photos he took with the families and friends he’d captured.

Don was preceded in death by his beautiful bride LaVonne Raupp, parents, Bill and Beverley Raupp of Medford, Oregon, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, John Albert and MayDell Darden of Pinole, California, two sisters, Gloriah Enderle and Jacque Monroe, and a brother, Wayne Raupp, all of California.

He is survived by his children, Robert Raupp of Seattle, Washington, Jonathan Raupp of Grass Valley, California, Beverley (John) Minarich of Richland, Oregon, and Zackary Raupp of Tacoma, Washington. His grandsons, Robert (Jamie) Minarich of La Grande, Oregon, Daniel Minarich of Salt Lake City, Utah, Joshua (Caleah) Minarich of La Grande, Oregon, Derrick Scott of South Carolina, Cameron Raupp of Tacoma, Washington, and Joey and Jonny Raupp of Grass Valley, California. Two great grandchildren, James Minarich and Kami Minarich of La Grande, Oregon, and his sister, Dotti Neasham of Medford, Oregon. He also has several loving nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews who will fondly remember him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Hillary Bonn Benevolent Fund, Heart n’ Home Hospice, or the charity of your choice through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834.  Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com