John Ruppel

1938 - 2016

John Louis Ruppel, Jr.
June 18, 1938 - August 23, 2016
Colonel John Louis Ruppel, Jr., USAF (Retired), passed away at the age of 78 on Tuesday, August 23, 2016.  John was born June 18, 1938, to John and Mary Ruppel in Chicago, Illinois.  Moving often as a child, he attended St. Patrick's School and Bellermine College Preparatory School in San Jose, California, Seattle College Preparatory School in Seattle, Washington, and the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.  Graduating in 1961, John received his commission in the US Air Force, beginning 8 years of active duty as a B-52 navigator.  John met his late wife, Lina Audibert, in October 1965 at Dyess Air Force Base, where she was a newly commissioned 2nd Lieutenant Nurse.  They were married on July 2, 1966, and were together for 43 years until her passing of cancer on August 15, 2009. 
After leaving active duty in the Air Force, John earned an MPA from Arizona State University, and began a career in public management.  During this time, John joined the California Air National Guard 129th Rescue Wing of (originally the Air Refueling & Recovery Group) at Moffett Naval Air Station, California, spending an additional 23 years serving in various positions.  He served as Squadron Commander, Director of Operations, Chief of Maintenance, retiring as Vice Wing Commander in 1991.  John was one of the founding members of the 129th Alumni & Heritage Association in 1999, and was serving as President at the time of his passing.
John is survived by his sister Carol Ann Allen and her husband Dr. Dave of Louisville, KY; brother Michael Ruppel and his wife Donna of Tucson, AZ; 14 nieces and nephews; 24 great nieces and nephews; 6 great-great nieces and nephews; goddaughter Danielle Higby; and companion Lynda Fawcett.
A Celebration of Life with full military honors rendered will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, 2:00 pm at Franklin and Downs McHenry Chapel, 1050 McHenry Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350.  Light refreshments will follow the Celebration.  
Interment will be at the National Cemetery of the Pacific (the Punchbowl) in Honolulu, where John will join his late wife, Lina.
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