Robert Keith Ruppert

Robert Keith “Bob” Ruppert, age 90, of Washington, Iowa, died Friday, October 13, 2017, at the United Presbyterian Home following a short illness. Celebration of life services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at the United Methodist Church in Washington with Rev. Kwang Song officiating. Calling hours will begin noon Monday at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday. Interment with military honors conducted by Washington American Legion Post 29 will take place at Elm Grove Cemetery. Memorials have been established for the United Methodist Church, the United Presbyterian Home or Hospice of Washington County. Online condolences may be sent for Bob’s family through the web at www.jonesfh.com. Robert Keith Ruppert was born September 15, 1927, in rural Guthrie County, Iowa, the son of Harold and Marie (Long) Ruppert. He grew up and attended school in Casey, Iowa. He served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II, spending time in China. Bob was united in marriage to Ella May Garrels on July 3, 1955, in Pekin, Iowa. Bob owned and operated the local John Deere dealership, Farmer’s Implement Company, for many years retiring in 1994. Following his retirement Bob and Ella May spent twenty years wintering in Arizona. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and was an active member of the Washington Rotary Club. He received Rotarian of the Year award in 2002 and was honored with the Bill Sitler Rotary Community Service Award in 2017. Bob was a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow and he enjoyed serving and working at the Washington County Fair. Bob was an avid Chicago Cub and Iowa Hawkeye Fan. During his retirement, he enjoyed parking cars at spring training games. He also volunteered at Del Webb Hospital in Sun City West. He is survived by his wife, Ella May Ruppert of Washington, Iowa; son, Doug Ruppert and wife Cindy of Iowa City, Iowa; daughter, Karen McFarland and husband Jon of Washington, Iowa; five grandchildren: Jennifer Sanchez and husband Joe; Brent Ruppert, Lauren Muhlenbruch and husband Ben; Ben McFarland and wife Hannah; Cassie Vazquez and husband Rick; one great granddaughter, Elodie Rae Vazquez; and one brother, Darwynn Ruppert and wife Louise of Rock Hill, South Carolina. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Geraldine Fisk; and one brother, Burdette Ruppert.

Robert Keith Ruppert

September 15, 1927 - October 13, 2017