JOHN H. RUPP

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JOHN H. RUPP John was born in Poland on November 30, 1926, second of three children of Valerie and Friedrich Rupp. At age 16, he was drafted into the German Army. He spent four years in England as prisoner of war, returning to his family in Germany in 1947. For two years he worked for the International Tracing Service, until 1949, when the family decided to immigrate to Canada, settling in Winnipeg. He arrived in Halifax on his 23rd birthday, ready to begin a new life. After several job changes he decided to attend the University of Manitoba, graduating in Geology. He worked in Uranium City and Red Lake, Ontario. After several years, he returned to the University of Manitoba to get his degree in education. For several years he taught Physics and Mathematics in Winnipeg and Killarney high schools. The family returned from Killarney to Winnipeg, where John was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. He could no longer follow his profession. For the past seven years, he resided at the Oakview Personal Care Home, where he passed away on October 24, 1999. He is survived by his two sons, Richard and Wilfred; one sister Isa Neuendorff; two nieces, two nephews and their families. In January 1945, he lost his 15 year old brother Richard; in 1962 his father passed away and in September, 1999 his mother Valerie died just five weeks before John. He was loved by all, for his kindness and gentle nature. He bore his suffering without complaint. To many of us he is an example of a loving and righteous man. Donations to the Parkinson Foundation of Canada (Winnipeg Chapter), 825 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, are gratefully accepted. Special thanks to the staff at Oakview Personal Care Home for their care of John. Memorial service for John Rupp will be held Friday, October 29 at 1:00 pm at First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Ave., Winnipeg. Arrangements entrusted to Klassen Funeral Chapel, 338-0331.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 26, 1999