Raymond M. Ruppert

Raymond M. Ruppert, 98, of Winona died Sunday, April 13, 2008, at Sauer Memorial Home following a brief illness. He was born December 31, 1909, in Winona, MN, to Frank and Caroline (Schuler) Ruppert. He graduated from Cotter High School in 1927. He married Adanelle Deilke on August 1, 1932, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Winona. Throughout his lifetime, Ray was employed at J.C. Penney Co., Winona State College, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Schuler Chocolates and Gibson Discount. After retirement he occasionally helped his son, Allyn, at Ruppert's Grocery. Ray was an avid bowler and took great pride in bowling with his four sons and later several of his grandsons on the Ruppert's Grocery bowling team. He earned the 1958 City Bowling Champion title for bowling a 730 series with his handicap. Ray also served on the Winona City Council from 1973-1975. He was a lifetime member of the Redmen Club, and a member of the St. Joseph's Society, Winona YMCA and the Winona Area Widow's/Widower's Group. Ray was a member of Cathedral of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Winona.Ray is survived by three sons, Gary (Dorothy) of Winona, Jim (Judy) of LaCrescent, MN and David (Dixie) of Winona; two brothers, Eugene of Ft. Worth, TX and Richard of Menifee, CA; sister, Marion Elson of Fernley, NV; eleven grandchildren, James (Angela) Ruppert of LaCrescent, MN, Linda (Drew) Hamernik of Naples, FL, Brian (Cindy) Ruppert of Winona, MN, Paul Ruppert of LaCrescent, MN, Jay (Jennifer) Ruppert of LaCrescent, MN, Whitley Thompson of Winona, MN, Sandra (Steve) Nelson of Apple Valley, MN, Aaron (Annie) Ruppert of Stockton, MN, Samantha (J.P.) Conway of Winona, MN, Jaclyn (Travis) Buege of Winona, MN and Abbey Ruppert of Winona, MN; twenty great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Adanelle, in 1987; one daughter, Helen; one son, Allyn; two brothers, Jack and Gerald Ruppert; and two sisters, Evelyn McClellan and Delores Murray.A Funeral Mass will be offered on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at 11:00am at Cathedral of Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the Reverend Richard Colletti officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Winona, MN. Friends may call at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service Hansen Goodview Chapel on Tuesday from 4-7:00pm where there will be a Christian Prayer Service at 6:30pm. Friends may also call one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. The family suggests that memorials be designated to Sauer Memorial Home or Cathedral of Sacred Heart in Winona.Please share a memory of Ray with the family or sign his online register book at: www.hofffuneral.com