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William Rupnow Obituary

OREGON, Wisc. - Former Great Falls resident William James Rupnow Sr., 89, of Oregon, Wisc., died of complications from lung cancer Feb. 8 in Wisconsin.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of All Faiths Funeral Home in Madison, Wisc.
Mr. Rupnow, or "Mr. Bill" as he was sometimes called, was a World War II veteran and tank commander of Patton's 3rd Armored Division. Upon returning from Europe, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force, retiring with 25 years of service. He worked at Malmstrom Air Force Base in the power pro shop. His total civil service was 25 years. He was very proud of his 50 years of service to his country, and made many friends at Malmstrom and in the Great Falls area.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and the love of his life, his wife, Pauline J. Rupnow.
He is survived by daughters Jane (Ron) Schwenn of Oregon, Wisc., and Maria A. Plunkett of Gladstone, Ore.; a son, William J. (Theresa) Rupnow Jr. of Great Falls; an adopted daughter, Valerie (Russ) Kraenzel of Great Falls; eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed.
Condolences may be posted online at www.gftribune.com/obituaries.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Great Falls Tribune on Mar. 5, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Dean Handy

April 1, 2025

Mr Bill, a great example, fine mentor and the best boss. Power pro shop, Malstrom AFB. 84-85

Steve & Karen Taormina

March 7, 2009

Bill and Terry, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. We are so sorry to hear of Bills passing.

The congregation at Calvary Chapel of Great Falls

March 6, 2009

Dear Valerie, William, Theresa & Family,
Please accept our condolences and prayers as you grieve the passing of your beloved father. Take comfort in the assurance that the Lord, Jesus Christ, will lovingly heal your broken hearts and carry you through the times of troubling loneliness ahead.

Julie Meer

March 5, 2009

Bill, Theresa, and boys,

Sending sincere and heart felt condolences on the loss of your father and grandfather.

Doris Gogan

March 5, 2009

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

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