Irwin Ruppel

1925 - 2018

Alexander and Anna Ruppel came to America as immigrants from Russia. They met and married in Kansas and settled in La Junta, Colorado. By 1925, it became apparent that the couple would not be able to have children of their own and they decided to adopt a child. They traveled to Denver and ultimately adopted Irwin. Irwin spoke only German until he entered school at the age of 6. By that time, America was in the grip of the Great Depression and Alexander lost his railroad job. He became a farm laborer and the small family traveled up and down Colorado following the crops, mostly sugar beets. Irwin attended 21 schools before 1937, when the family settled in Windsor, CO. Irv graduated from Windsor High School in 1943. After graduation, he went to work for the Great West Sugar Company in Windsor. His job was to load 100 pound sacks of sugar in preparation for shipment. By the fall of 1943, Irv decided he wanted to enter the service to fight in WWII. Initially, he wanted to join the Navy, but it was discovered that he was color blind. The Army Infantry didn't care if he could see red or green and Irv was sent to Camp Roberts, CA. for basic training. He later joined the 98th Infantry Division and served with them for the duration of the war. Because he knew how to swim, he volunteered to become a swimming instructor, teaching soldiers how to jump off a ship wearing a full field pack. He entered the Army as a PFC and reached the rank of Sergeant. He was the youngest member of his outfit. He spent almost 2 years in Hawaii and by the end of July 1945, his unit was preparing to invade Japan. The US dropped the atomic bomb on Japan in August 1945, ultimately ending the War. Irv was sent to Japan after the Armistice was signed. He was discharged in February of 1946. He returned to his home in Windsor. On his first day back, he went downtown, met Isel Rosh and they were married on September 1, 1946. The newlyweds moved to Denver and Irv took a job with the Underwood Corporation, repairing typewriters and adding machines. He then accepted a position with Underwood selling typewriters to the telephone company. He was paid a commission of $1 for every machine he sold. He sold more than anyone else in the US and he discovered his talent as a salesman. Isel told him that he was a people person and that he should go into sales. He went to the library to research sales jobs and the more he read the better it sounded. He first went to work for Security Life and Accident Company where he rose to be manager of the Agency. He then moved to Guarantee Mutual and became General Agent. He was recruited by Bernie Rosen, General Agent for State Mutual and he worked with Bernie until he retired at age 75. He was the winner of the Agency Award 5 years running and served as State President of Colorado Life Underwriters. He was on the Million Dollar Round table every year for 30 years. He earned a Certified Life Underwriters certificate. Irv and Isel had 4 children; Paula (Wayne) Stacey, James Ruppel, Debra (Tim) Menger and Loran (William) White. Between them they have 10 grandchildren. Debra's daughter, Valerie has three great grandchildren. Irv and Isel were divorced in 1970. Irv married Dorothy Roswell in July 1971 and they spent 44 very happy years together. Dottie had three grandsons, Toby (Denise), Peter (Lindsay) and Tim (Shannon) Tasei and 9 great grandchildren. Dottie died in 2014. Along with his professional successes, Irv was a member of the East Denver Kiwanis Club. He served as President of the East Denver Kiwanis and rose to become Lt. Governor of District 9. A life-long Lutheran, Irv was an active member of the Messiah Lutheran Church on Colorado Blvd where he served as an Usher and in the Choir. After the family moved to South Denver in the mid-1960s, he became an active member of Cross of Glory Lutheran Church and served as an Usher and President of the Board. Irv served his community in the Dam East subdivision and also served as President of the Homeowner's Association in Heather Gardens when he and Dottie moved there. Irv was associated with SCORE for many decades. SCORE is a volunteer organization wherein members are trained to serve as counselors, advisors and mentors to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. In 2014, after Dottie's death, Irv became very ill and ultimately was moved to St. Andrew's Village for skilled nursing care. Once again, he was chosen to serve as the President of the Resident's Council and served as a liaison between the residents and the staff. The secret to his success and his advice to his grandchildren is simple. Figure out what appeals to you, become proficient at it and you will be successful. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Kiwanis Foundation (foundation@kiwanisclubofdenver.org) in Irv's name would be much appreciated. The details of the memorial service will be announced at a later date.