Robert Rupnow

Robert “Bob” William Rupnow of Ripon peacefully left us on January 16, 2006 at the age of 91.
He was born in Ripon on July 30, 1914, the son of Ferdinand and Martha (Prellwitz) Rupnow. Robert spent his entire life in the Ripon area. Following his graduation from Ripon High School, he furthered his education at UW-Madison, UW-Oshkosh, Ripon College and Moraine Park Technical College, and taught a drafting course at Moraine Park. Bob worked as an engineer at Speed Queen, retiring after 44 years, later working part-time at C&S Electric for an additional 18 years. Robert married the former Doris Miller of Fox Lake on June 11, 1938, and enjoyed 62 years of marriage prior to Doris’ death in May of 2001.
Bob was involved with the Boy Scouts of America for many years beginning in October 1928. He later served as Scout Master of Troops 33, 35 and 37. Bob was recognized for 75 years of service with the Scouts in 2003. During his Scouting years, he was the recipient of many awards such as the Eagle which included Bronze, Silver and Gold Palms. He was very honored to receive the Distinguished Silver Beaver Service Award and often relayed many stories of good times in Scouting. Bob was involved in many other organizations and was a Charter Member of the Ripon Early Bird Kiwanis. Bob was a lifelong member of Our Saviour’s UCC in Ripon. He formerly served on the church council, as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, usher team member, and along with his wife, belonged to the Married Couples Club. Bob was also a member of AA for 23 years, and formed many wonderful friendships there. Bob enjoyed close to 50 years of enjoyment at the family cottage near Neshkoro and often spoke of the fun of fishing, water skiing and many family gatherings that were held there.
Bob was the much loved Dad of Donna (Eugene) Everding of Janesville and Doreen (Tom) Badtke of Suamico, as well as the proud Grandpa of DeeAnn (Joe) Donahue of Stevens Point, Jeffrey (Deceased), (Jean) Badtke of Oshkosh, Matthew (Joan) Badtke of Ottawa, IL, Kimberly Badtke of Wauseon, OH, and Corey (Erin) Badtke of Walworth, NY. Bob’s special joy was spending time with his Great-Grandchildren, Jocelyn and Joshua Donahue, Erin and Andrew Badtke, and Alex and Mark Jeffrey Badtke. Bob is further survived by 2 nieces, 2 nephews and many friends. Bob was preceded in death by: his parents, wife Doris, grandson Jeffrey, brothers and their wives Clarence (Jeanette) and Harold “Babe” (Hildegard).
Funeral service for Robert W. Rupnow will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2006, at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ, Ripon with the Rev. Mark R. West officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ripon. A memorial has been established.
Dad, we’ll miss you and count ourselves fortunate to have had you in our lives. You were a good Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa and friend. We’ll think of you keeping those who passed before you on their toes with your quick wit and ready smile. Save a place at your cribbage board until we meet again!

Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, Ripon, is assisting the family.
www.butzinmarchant.com