Edward D. Rupp

Edward D. Rupp, 64, of Lyons passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family, Sunday, May 17, 2015. Ed was born Feb. 7, 1951, in Wauseon. On June 29, 1974, he married Linda Marie Himelhan, his beloved wife of 41 years, and she survives.

Ed grew up on a small dairy farm near Oakshade. He helped his family on the farm and in his father's plumbing business. Ed graduated from Evergreen High School in 1969. He spent two years at Hesston Mennonite College in Hesston, Kan., and graduated with an Associate of Arts degree. In 1971, Ed began a 2-1/2 year church mission with the Mennonite Central Committee in Hautefeuille, France, building housing for personnel at a home for mentally handicapped boys. This service group of young men was known as Pax.

Ed returned home from France in 1973. He worked at the Sunshine Children's Home in Maumee, then returned to work with his father in the plumbing and heating business. In 1984, he purchased the business from his father and continued to work in the trades until his death. Ed was proud that he was a licensed master plumber and mechanical contractor in both Michigan and Ohio.

He enjoyed sports, and was a Class 1 high school basketball and softball official. He also loved singing the hymns he learned growing up in the Mennonite church, as well as listening to country music, especially Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson.

Ed is also survived by four sons, John (Jaime) Rupp of Wauseon, Andy (Allison) Rupp of Livonia, Mich., Mark Rupp, and Matt Rupp, both of Columbus; five grandchildren, Noah, Braelyn, Lila, Carly, and Grayson; mother, Patricia Andrews of Wauseon; siblings, Ron (Roberta) Rupp of Paris, Texas, A.J. (Linda) Rupp of Fort Wayne, Ind., Gary (Lorene) Link of Morgantown, Ind., Nancy (Randy) Becker of Toledo, Dave (Michelle) Link of Bellefountain, Ohio, and Julie (Dave) Gugel of Wauseon; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Ed was preceded in death by his father, Glenn D. Rupp; mother, Alma (Gochenour) Rupp; father, Charlie Andrews; and his sister, Joyce Nafziger.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, May 21, 2015, at Lyons Christian Church, with Pastors Gary Link and Ryan Nafziger officiating. Interment will follow at Lyons Cemetery.

Family and friends may visit 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at Lyons Christian Church Friendship Hall.

Weigel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.weigelfuneralhomes.com.