Jerome J. "Jerry" Rupiper, age 91, of Yankton, South Dakota, died Saturday, May 31, 2008 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM, on Friday, June 6, 2008, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton with Reverend Ken Bain officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Yankton with military honors provided by the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post No. 791. Visitation is from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, on Thursday, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a rosary at 7:00 PM and a prayer service and video tribute at 7:30 PM.
Pallbearers are Jim Hochstein, Butch Becker, Ron Kathol, Vern Schroeder, Guy Burwitz, and Ken Henseler. Honorary pallbearers are the Knights of Columbus.
Jerry was born May 19, 1917, to John and Anna (Werthman) Rupiper in Crofton, Nebraska. After high school he started learning his trade by working for Herman Swanson as a painter. He joined the United States Army on October 17, 1942, and was in the 76th Infantry and the 30th Old Hickory Division in Germany. Jerry trained at Ft. Warren, Wyoming; Ft. Meade, Maryland; A.P. Hill, Virginia; Camp McCoy, Wisconsin; Ironwood, Michigan; and fought battles in the Battle of the Buldge and in Ardennes Forest in Germany. His twin brother, Omer Rupiper, joined him in Ft. Meade and they were together until the end of the war. Jerry was awarded the Meritorious Service Plaque, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Bronze Star. The Bronze star was awarded on October 18, 1945, for his leadership and bravery after his platoon sergeant was killed in action. Jerry took command of his platoon clearing underwater mines enabling construction of the bridge across the river at Bruch, Germany.
He married Bridget H. Kathol in Bow Valley, Nebraska on May 14, 1946, and they have been married for over 62 years. Jerry owned Jerry's Color Center in Yankton and was a painting and decorating contractor for over 60 years. He painted many of the beautiful schools, hospitals, and churches throughout the region and also many homes. He was an incredible and talented artist and a kind and generous man. He was a 4th degree Knights of Columbus and former "Faithful Navigator", a position he was very proud of. He was also a member of the VFW and past member of the Elks Lodge. He enjoyed playing cards, dancing, refinishing furniture, going to auction sales, socializing, and was a very hard worker.
Survivors include his wife Bridget of Yankton; three children, Daniel (Sandy) Rupiper of Yankton, Jan (Mark) Spielman of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Tom (Ann) Rupiper of Hamilton, Montana; six grandchildren, Leslie (Christian) Schutz, Lindsay (Scott) Jordan, Dana (Andrew) Ruginis, Sarah (Randy) Thomas, Jean Rupiper, and Lance Rupiper; four great grandchildren, Hailey, Bridget, Jacqueline, and Henry, and many nieces, nephews, and special friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother, Omer; brother, Ray; and sister, Levina Concannon.
Click here to view the Video Tribute / Download Plug-in
