Rev. Andrew M. Rupp

Rev. Andrew M Rupp, 94, of Ft Wayne, Indiana, died Mar. 30, 2014 at The Cedars in Leo, Indiana. He was born December 21, 1919, in Wauseon, Ohio, to the late Sam Y Rupp and Emma (Gerig) Rupp and grew up on the family farm north of Pettisville, Ohio. He graduated from Pettisville High School, Ft. Wayne Bible Institute, Taylor University, and Biblical Seminary (New York). He was an ordained minister in the Evangelical Mennonite Church, having served as a missionary in the Dominican Republic for 18 years, as a pastor in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, denominational president, and director of missions. He was a member of Highland Bethel Church of Ft. Wayne. During his missionary service Andy helped start numerous churches in the Dominican Republic and helped train Dominican pastors and church leaders. After returning from mission service he pastored in Wauseon, Ohio, taught at Fort Wayne Bible College, and served in Fort Wayne HQ office of Evangelical Mennonite Church (Now F.E.C.) as president and director of missions. His passion was to see people come to know Christ as Savior and teaching and training them to bring others into God’s kingdom. Before passing from this life, he looked forward to being reunited in heaven with many of those whose lives he influenced, especially his Dominican brothers and sisters. His earthly family was greatly blessed by the Christian heritage and example he provided, especially during his years of caring for his wife Esther while she was ill, before her death. He married Esther King in Aug. 1945; she preceded him in death in 2002. Survivors are children, Timothy (Nancy) of Eagle River, AK; Mark (Lynn) of Carmel; Deborah of Ft. Wayne; Mary (Jeff) Shadowen of San Sebastian, Spain; grandchildren David (Kara) Rupp of Peters Creek, AK; Philip (Kalei) Rupp of Eagle River, AK; Andrew Rupp of Indianapolis; Sarah (Kris) VanBogelen of Lawton, MI; Micah Shadowen of Elgin, IL; great grandchildren Logun, Trent, Kailer, Kekoa, Leilia Rupp and Maddalen VanBogelen. Also surviving is a sister, Vera M Rupp of Wauseon, OH; he was also preceded in death by 5 brothers and 3 sisters. Memorial services are 11:00 AM Tuesday, April 8, at Brookside Church, 6102 Evard Road with calling 1 hour prior, and graveside service to follow at Woodburn Evangelical Mennonite Cemetery. Calling also from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 7, at Brookside Church. Arrangements handled by Hockemeyer-Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne. Memorials are to Fellowship of Evangelical Churches (Dominican Pastoral Training), Highland Bethel Church, or Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home. Special thanks to the home care givers, Visiting Nurse and Hospice, and to his caregivers at The Cedars, all of whose gentleness and kindness will not be forgotten.