Charles W. Ruppert 1912-2007

DOHRER, RUPPERT

Posted By: michael (email)
Date: 6/26/2007 at 10:26:17

Charles W. Ruppert, 94, of 1406 N. Dubuque Road in Iowa City, passed away Friday, June 22, 2007 in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Charles was born November 22, 1912 in Iowa City, Iowa the son of William and Katherine (Dohrer) Ruppert. On May 17, 1937 in Rock Island, IL he married Marie E. Cole. Charles was a master carpenter and took pride in his craft. When interviewed about his work with the 1975 reconstruction of the Old Capitol, he said, “You can’t just bang things together and hope to come out with something. You have to spend more time and put in a little something extra. I like to see things happen and grow. When I start out with a job, I know that there is going to be a finished product which I helped create.” His craft was a part of his life. He was an organizer of the Iowa City Federation of Labor and lifetime member of the Carpenters Local 1260, holding many offices in both organizations.

Charles was a man of integrity, and extreme tolerance and patience. He had a profound respect and reverence for all life. He loved the earth and found joy in all its inhabitants. He loved gardening and watching people grow. His greatest joy was his family. He honored family and was especially proud of his seven daughters. He was a very caring and giving person who always supported his family in every way possible.

Survivors include his wife Marie; his children, Kathryn (Paul) Davis of North Liberty, Iowa, Mary (Lee) Hitchcock of Leesburg, Florida, Ruth (John) McCall of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Louise Clark of Austin, Texas, Janet (Scott) Earle of Georgetown, Maine, Judy Ruppert (Allan Felsot) of Kennewick, Washington, and Charlene Ruppert of Cottonwood, Arizona; 13 grandchildren, Kevin Davis and his wife Patty, Brett Davis and his wife Stephenie, Neal Davis and his wife Elaine, Lisa Schuppner and her husband Ken, Robert Hitchcock, Chris McCall and his wife Tracy, Scott McCall, Lindsey Levitan and her husband Sam, Jori Ruppert-Felsot, Jules Ruppert-Felsot, Charles Petrosky, Sierra Petrosky and Matthew Petrosky and 6 great grandchildren; Emily Davis, Amy Davis, Evan Davis, Paige Davis, Katie McCall and Ryan McCall; three brothers, Cleldon Ruppert of Houston, Texas, Herman Ruppert of Richland, Washington & Robert (Maxine) Ruppert of Tiffin and sister Katherine (Gene) Hogan of Midway, Arkansas; many nieces & nephews and his cat “Kitty”.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and 1 sister.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church or charity of one’s choice.

The family would like to thank our sister Janet and her husband Scott Earle for their loving care and devotion to our Dad.