Larry Joseph Ruple

Larry Joseph Ruple of Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, August 9, 2024. He was 63 years old. Larry Joseph Ruple was born on August 13, 1960, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Dean Emory and Lois (Schilpzand) Ruple. He was a proud 1978 graduate of Douglas MacArthur High School. Following graduation, Larry attended Delta College. As a young boy in church and through youth group meetings, he met the future love of his life, Linda Lee Gaunt. They eventually dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on February 23, 1980; she survives him. Hardworking his entire life, at a young age Larry worked as a paper delivery boy, and later as the assistant manager at Vescio’s and Hamady Brothers, and store manager with IGA, Perry Drugs, and Rite Aid. The role of his lifetime, one he loved above all others, was to be a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He absolutely treasured and cherished his grandchildren because they made his soul feel complete. Larry was raised within the Methodist Church and throughout his life he and Linda held a close connection to the church. An avid baseball fan, he served as an umpire with the church league through the YMCA for 30 years. Larry enjoyed spending time locksmithing, golfing, and relaxing as he mowed the lawn. He also enjoyed collecting sports cards and watching hockey. Though he could be stubborn, he will forever be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, as a selfless and generous man who would do or give anything to anyone, for being a priceless and profound husband, father, and grandfather, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many wonderful memories and stories.

Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Linda Lee Ruple of Saginaw; two sons: Jason (Melissa) Ruple of Bay City; Tyler (Ali) Ruple of St. Charles; three grandchildren: Emilie Ruple of Bay City; Easton Ruple of St. Charles; and Adelyn Ruple of St. Charles; three brothers and two sisters: Daniel (Char) Ruple of FL; Diana Godrey of TX; John (Lori) Ruple of Saginaw; Gary (Jill) Ruple of FL; Betty (John) Mayer of Saginaw. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends, too numerous to mention but held close to his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Lois Ruple; and a brother-in-law, Gregg Godfrey.

A funeral service will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603. Rev. Maurice Horne will officiate. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the American Diabetes Association or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.