David Ruppert

David Michael Ruppert passed away on March 27, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.

David was born in 1949, to Raymond and Adanelle Ruppert in Winona. He graduated in 1968, from Cotter High School and in 1972, from Winona State with a B.A. in Accounting.

David worked with his brother, Allyn, at Ruppert’s Grocery from the age of 8 until the age of 44 when Ruppert’s Grocery closed in 1994. He was employed at Peerless Chain from 1994 to 2012.

In 1981, David married Dixie Vanderford at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Church. They were blessed with 3 daughters.

David joined the National Guard in 1972, and transferred to the Navy Reserve in 1987. He retired from the Navy Reserve in 1996, after 24 years.

David was secretary of the Winona Coin Club for 15 years and had been a member of the Men’s Bowling Association from age 14. He was secretary of the Classic League for more than 25 years. He bowled with his dad and 3 brothers on Ruppert’s Grocery for 20 years.

David was the original member of the Winona Bowling Hall of Fame. He and Dixie were part owners of 5th Street Liquor from 2000-2020.

David was a member of the City Park and Rec and High school Mississippi Valley Umpires Association. He helped umpire the Winona Chiefs for 20 plus years.

David was a family man who would do anything for his family. He had many hobbies and loves, including his dogs, being an avid coin collector, collecting baseball cards, bowling, playing and umpiring baseball and softball, watching MN sports, game shows, playing cards, and puzzles. He always loved his Mountain Dew and Bloedow’s. He loved making and was known for his English toffee, and peanut/pecan brittle every Christmas season. He also enjoyed trips to the casino with his wife to take in a concert now and then.

David is survived by his wife, Dixie; children, Samantha (J.P. ) Conway, Jaclyn (Travis) Buege, and Abigail (Joe) Krumrie; and grandchildren, Mollie and Madelyn Conway, Max and Melody Buege, and Lila and Luke Krumrie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Allyn, Gary, and Jim; and infant sister, Helen.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 1pm at Hoff Celebration of Life center (3480 Service Dr. Winona, MN) with visitation beginning at 11am.

Hoff Celebration of Life Center is assisting the family.