David Allen Ruppel

It is with deep sadness that we have to say goodbye to our beloved David Allen Ruppel.

Dave was born in Fort Morgan, CO on January 10, 1960, to Esther Becker Ruppel and Henry Ruppel Sr. He was the youngest of five siblings and the youngest Ruppel grandchild. We all knew he was our mother's "favorite" child, and he enjoyed the attention of being our younger brother. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Anyone who met Dave knew he was a man of few words, but he always had a quick wit and would come up with one liners that made everyone laugh. He inherited his father's gentle nature and had immense love for all his pets that he had over the years. He loved concerts and the bands from the 70's and 80's. He still had a collection of tickets from concerts he attended throughout his life.

Dave had a special place in his heart for his "second" family, Matthew, Kari, and Bryson Wooldridge. Through the years they enjoyed Rockies games, WWE events or just sitting around the fire pit in the backyard. His enjoyment was the simple things in life and his love for his family.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Henry Ruppel Jr.; his sister, Evelyn White; niece, Kari Kissler Wooldridge; brother-in-law, Mark Schneider; and his great nephew, Johnny McNabb.

He is survived by his sons, Justin and Derek; his grandchildren, Katlynd, Jaden, Nevaeh, and Madison; great grandchildren, Tegan and Taleah; his sister, Mary Ann Wooldridge and her children, Rob, Michelle, and Matthew; his sister, Barbara Schneider and her children, Jason, Amber, and Melanie; his brother-in-law, Ron White and his children, Ronny, Tim, and Rick; and his siter-in-law, Cynthia Ruppel and her children, Pam, Delbert, Teresa, Craig, and Denise. Dave is also survived by numerous great nieces and nephews that have fond memories of him. Dave also leaves behind his friend, James DePriest, and his family who were always there for him.

Per Daves request, cremation has taken place and private service will be planned in the future.

From David's son, Justin:

"Like myself, he wasn't a man of many words. His love was never loud, but it was always felt. You knew it by his presence -– by the gentle "oi" he would speak, the spark in his eyes, the familiar grin, and the warm embrace that meant more than words ever could.

We shared a love of music and some of my fondest childhood memories are rooted in the time spent with him at concerts. Those moments –the sounds, the energy, simply being there together –-are memories I will always hold close.

It was an honor to share his final Thanksgiving with him, a moment I will forever be grateful for. And to walk alongside him across the Royal Gorge Bridge was more than just a walk –it was a shared experience, a moment in time that now carries even greater meaning.

You didn't need many words to show love. It lived in your presence; in the moments we shared and in the memories that remain.

Your wings were ready, but my heart was not. May your memories live on until we meet again."

Love you forever, always,

Your Son,

Justin Allen Ruppel

From Dave's granddaughter, Katlynd:

"We will forever look back and remember all the times my grandad made us so glad. The chilliest, kindest man we were happy to have known. He will be missed so dearly but will forever live on through me and my blessings. His memory will stay strong. Tegan, Taleah and I love you so dearly. Until we see you again to come together and share our everlasting love."

Love,

Katlynd

We weren't ready for him to join the skies.

Though with no doubt we know,

he now watches over us,

not for now but for always.

It broke our hearts to see you go,

but now we look up and see you in the stars.

The one bought for me,

it shines much brighter now.

This world hated to see you leave,

but know you did not go alone,

For a part of us will be with you

For all eternity.