Robert L. Rupp

Robert L. Rupp, age 91, formerly of Upper Arlington, passed away peacefully at his home in Columbus, Ohio on September 4, 2010, two weeks after greeting his newest grandson and one week after welcoming his newest great-granddaughter. The son of Peter and Clara Rupp, Bob was born June 8, 1919 in Archbold, Ohio, graduated from Ohio State University, served as a Navy pilot in World War II and during the Korean Conflict in Central America, Europe, and Greenland, and remained in the Navy Reserves until retiring as a Commander. He had a long and successful career in the insurance industry, served on the board of two insurance companies, led Chartered Life Underwriters Chapters in Columbus, Ohio and Fort Wayne Indiana, owned an independent insurance agency, and founded the concept of denominational property insurance programs that benefit churches nationwide. Bob met his beloved wife Virginia in first grade, and together they owned five Shops for Pappagallo in the 1970-80’s in Columbus and Petoskey Michigan. Bob lived in Oden, Michigan in the summers and St. Petersburg Florida in the winters. In recent years he marched with the Honor Guard in the Alanson and Harbor Springs Michigan 4th of July Parades, and evolved from a die-hard Republican to a political independent. In later years he approached his health challenges with the same vigor, optimism, and faith as other parts of his life, driving his car and cutting pinecones with an industrial band saw for his daughter’s art box business in April, won at bridge in July, and held his newest grandson and humored his family and caretakers until hours before he died. Bob was preceded in death by sisters Marguerite and Evelyn, a brother Paul, and his wife, Virginia. He is survived by a sister Martha and a brother William. “Pappa,” will be greatly missed by his children Dan (Kathy) Rupp, Julia Rupp, Ben (Amy) Rupp all in Columbus, and Rob (Lynn) Rupp in Buckhannon West Virginia; grandchildren Abigail (Jon) Benjamin, Emily Rupp, Tad Rupp, Chris Rupp, Meade (Bill) Means, Daniel J. Rupp, Travis Moore, Niles Moore, Virginia Moore, and baby Jude Rupp; and great-grandchildren Hannah, Alexis, Maria, and baby Teresa Benjamin. The family is deeply appreciative of the many fine doctors and assistants who cared for Bob over the years, and Bob’s many wonderful friends who engaged and looked after him at the Crooked Lake Yacht Club in Michigan and at Point Brittany in Florida. The family will visit with friends on Friday, October 1, 2010, from 6-7:30 pm at Schoedinger Northwest Chapel 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221, a celebration of life will be held at Trinity Methodist Church, 1581 Cambridge Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43212 on October 2 at 10 am, Rev. Phillip Brooks presiding, followed by a grave side memorial in Archbold, Ohio at 3 pm, with visitation at the Evangelical Mennonite Church from 4-5 pm. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers are asked to consider the Oden Community Association, P.O. Box 134, Oden MI 49764, Trinity Methodist Church, or the charity of one’s choice. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to send condolences and share memories.