Philip Edward Ruppe

Philip E. Ruppe, a former six-term U.S. Representative from Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, in Bethesda, Maryland, at the age of 99 – just weeks shy of his 100th birthday. Known for his integrity, tireless advocacy for his constituents, and commitment to family, friends, and faith, Phil left a legacy of service to his home state and country.

Born on September 29, 1926, in Laurium in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, Phil traced his roots to the area’s copper mining boom of the late 19th century. His paternal grandfather, Peter Ruppe, emigrated to America from Slovenia in 1854 and established the P. Ruppe and Sons store in Hancock, MI. His maternal grandfather, Joseph Bosch, founded the Bosch Brewing Company, one of the most successful regional breweries in Michigan.

After attending Canterbury School, Phil joined the Navy V-12 program in 1944 and went on to graduate from Yale University in 1948. He later served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Returning to Michigan, Phil served as the director of Houghton National Bank and Commercial National Bank of L'Anse and ran the Bosch Brewery with his brother, James, until it was sold in 1965.

Elected as a Republican to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1966, Phil proudly represented the Upper Peninsula and twelve counties of northern Michigan for twelve years. He earned a reputation on both sides of the aisle for being a thoughtful lawmaker who prioritized bipartisan collaboration to advance his constituents’ interests. Among many achievements, he successfully championed the federal designation of the U.P.’s Isle Royale National Park Wilderness area, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Colleagues remembered him “as one of the good guys in the process.”

Family and public service were deeply entwined in Phil’s life. In 1957, he married Loret Miller, great-granddaughter of the founder of the Miller Brewing Company, and together they raised five daughters. Loret was a distinguished public servant in her own right, serving as Director of the Peace Corps and U.S. Ambassador to Norway before her death in 1996. In 2000, Phil married Ann Boutell, sharing two decades of happy companionship together in Bethesda, MD and Palm Beach, FL until her passing in 2022.

Phil loved playing bridge, tennis, and golf. He read widely, was passionate about history, and enjoyed sharing stock market insights with his children and grandchildren. Those who knew him will cherish his generosity, love of adventure, intellect, and keen sense of humor.

Phil is survived by his daughters Antoinette Greenberg, Adele Ruppe (Peter Grant), Katherine Ruppe (Kevin Jarvis), and Mary Ruppe (Stuart) Nash; his stepchildren Lawrence (Karin) Finn, Nancy Mansour, Barkley (Michael) Henning, and Barbara Petterson; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his daughter Loret Miller Ruppe, Jr.(Peter Parsons), brothers Joseph B. Ruppe and James A. Ruppe, and parents Peter Edward Ruppe and Antoinette Bosch Ruppe.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, August 28, at 11:30 am at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Potomac, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catholic Charities.