William John Rumenapp

William John Rumenapp (Bill), 94, of Wylie, Texas, passed away on December 21, 2020 in Richardson, Texas. Bill was born in Anchorville, Michigan to Michael Ruemenapp and Loretta Dueweke on November 14, 1926.

He went to school at Poplar Grove School and Marine City High School in St. Clair County, Michigan. He married Dolores Marie Schmitt on November 23, 1950 in Detroit, Michigan. He worked as a farmer, truck driver, janitor, road repair crewman, press operator, and automotive transmission technician in Michigan. After moving the family to Texas in 1967 he worked 24 years in building maintenance for General Motors until he retired in 1986.

Bill was a faithful Catholic who devoted much of his time to the parish wherever he lived by volunteering his services to the local pastor. His assistance included the building of a grotto to the Virgin Mary, general maintenance, painting, working in the food pantry, leading a parish rosary, and many other activities requested by the pastor. Once his boys were old enough, he volunteered their services also. Bill joined the Knights of Columbus in 1977, and during his 43 years as a Knight, Bill served in many officer positions, including Grand Knight three different times. One of these was as the First Grand Knight of St. Josephs Council 8954 in Richardson, Texas.

Bill was a proud member of this prestigious organization and was instrumental in the startup of councils in both Texas and Michigan. Bill also served as President of the Residents Association at Founders Plaza Nursing Home, where Bill and Delores were residents for several years. Bill was, naturally, a devoted husband. Because of medical issues with Delores & their son Bob, Bill packed up Delores and six kids and moved to Texas. They left behind the family farm, a good job, and many friends and relatives. The move turned out to be good for Bill, Delores, their children, and niece Janice.

In 1987, after Bill retired, he and Delores traveled across the US several times to visit children in Oregon, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Texas. Their favorite mode of travel was by train, and they became huge fans of Amtrak. While visiting the kids, he would always find some work that needed to be done on their house, such as wallpapering or painting. As the consummate teacher and mentor, Bill always encouraged his children and grandchildren to do their best at whatever they were doing. He used to tell us when we were young “I don’t care what you do, do the best you can when doing it, if you are digging ditches make it the best ditch dug.”

Later in life, when Delores was suffering with Parkinson’s and placed in a nursing home, Bill would visit her every day from early morning until after supper. A few years later, Bill moved into the nursing home to be closer to his beloved wife and watch over her. There they were able to share a room and he made it “home” for them.

Bill will truly be missed by his children, who were so blessed to have Bill as long as they did. Bill was always there to listen to venting about problems at work or home, and was great to bounce ideas about building or repairing something. Visits always included stories about when he was growing up, no matter how many times the same stories were heard, they were enjoyed. While it is nice that he is no longer suffering from the sins of his youth, i.e. arthritis a.k.a. “Arthur,” the phone calls and visits (window visits for the last six months) will truly be missed.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Dolores, his beloved wife of 66 years, niece, Janice Daugherty (husband Michael), and niece Cathy Rose.

Bill is survived by his children Robert Rumenapp (wife Carol) of Eagle Point, OR, Richard Rumenapp (wife Barbara) of Arlington, TX, Mary Ellen McDonald (husband Dave) of Marine City, MI, Gary Rumenapp (wife Pam) of Spring, TX, Mark Rumenapp (wife Ketra) of Wylie,TX, 14 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and one on the way, nephew, Roy Rose (wife Debbie) of Shelby Township, MI.

The family of Bill Rumenapp wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of Founders Plaza Nursing Home for taking such good care of Bill and Delores Rumenapp during their ten years as residents there.