Wayne Dean Rupenthal

Wayne Dean Rupenthal

On the morning of Saturday, April 11, 2015 our dad Wayne Dean Rupenthal of Brownsburg, Indiana went to be with Jesus Christ. Always jovial, kind, and a comedian of sorts, his loss will be felt by family and friends. Wayne was born in La Porte, IN on October 18, 1934 in the midst of the great depression, historic heat wave, and drought the gripped the Midwest. He grew up in La Porte, Indiana and lived an animated and fun-filled childhood with some mischievous adolescent years resulting in a few minor infractions with the law which he jokingly denies to the children and grandchildren. He was fortunate enough to meet the love of his life, Joyce Ann Wainscott, at the age of 12, which, along with a host of guardian angels, probably saved him from a number of calamities.

He attended La Porte High School, graduating in 1953, where he displayed his athletic prowess in both football, playing at tight end, and track as a sprinter. Following high school he spent four lively years at Indiana University and married Joyce Ann Wainscott his senior year on August 25,1956. He graduated from Indiana University in 1957 with a BS degree in Marketing.

Having been a dedicated ROTC participant in 1953-1957, he entered the United States Army and served from 1957 to 1959 as a 1st Lieutenant. Wayne was selected for the NIKE Guided Missile Program and was stationed in Chicago, Illinois during the cold war era. Wayne was responsible for the management of a NIKE guided missile battery, which then was located in Chicago, Illinois at 21st and Outer Drive.

He had an entrepreneurial spirit, and a work ethic to match it.  He had a long career in commercial and industrial equipment finance, which took he and Joyce on adventures all over the country. Amazingly, they moved 25 times in their married life. He retired in 2001.

In addition to work life, he made time for many organizations important to family and community including participating in YMCA Indian Guides from 1965 to1970, and serving as Fulton Jr. High School PTA President. He also served as Treasurer for Grace Lutheran Church from 1965-1980. During retirement, he became involved with the Holiday Pines Home Owners Association Committee, which he served on until his death.

By far, being involved with family, helping, and supporting them was his greatest joy. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by wife, Joyce Ann (Wainscott) Rupenthal, brother, Patrick (Jeneane) Rupenthal, sons, Kurt (Kathy) Rupenthal, Steven Rupenthal, daughter, Kristin (Steve) Ferklic. Nine grandchildren: Marc, Eric, Ian, Seth, Kalev, Yakira, Audra, Joseph, and Nicholas. Two great-grandchildren: Connor and Ethan. He was preceded in death by parents Walter and Hazel (Kellogg) Rupenthal of La Porte, Indiana.

Services at will be held at Conkle Funeral Home, 4925 West 16th St., Speedway, IN. Visitation is Tuesday 4-7 p.m., and Funeral Wednesday at 11 a.m., with graveside services following at Westridge Park, 21st St. & Raceway Rd., Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Avon, IN, or a charity of your choice.

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going."

John 14:1-4