John E. Ruppenthal

John E. Ruppenthal passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024 at the age of 90, in Oshkosh, WI at Park View Health Center where he had been so lovingly cared for. He was born July 26, 1934, in New London, WI to Edward and Veronica (Putz) Ruppenthal of Clintonville. John married Mary A. Goodman of Antigo, WI August 29, 1959 and they took up residence in Madison, WI. Following graduation from Tigerton High School, John entered the U.S. Navy in October 1953 and served four years in the Pacific Fleet. He attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison and graduated in 1961 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was employed in an engineering capacity with International Trucks in Fort Wayne, IN, Northwest Engineering in Green Bay, and Wisconsin Public Service, most recently as the Division Manager in Oshkosh, where he retired in August 1995. John was involved with several local organizations including The Oshkosh Boys and Girls Club, Kiwanis Club, United Way, St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, Chamco, and the City of Oshkosh Plan Commission. John loved fishing, canoeing, hiking waterfalls, a good game of tennis, sports playing and spectating, a good joke, a good polka, chocolate, apple pie, and "fixing things," many of which he enjoyed with family, friends, and in particular with wife Mary, who passed away in 2016. He will be remembered for his strength, integrity, humility, and generosity. Above all, John Ruppenthal was a first class human being that regularly demonstrated such with his caring for others. He will be deeply missed. Survivors include daughter Anne of Pulaski, sons Brett (Sabrina) of Tampa, FL and Scott (Jill) of Denver, CO. Also surviving are grandchildren Robert, Jennifer (Adam Grindheim), and Nicole (of Anne and and father John Peterson), grandsons Liam and Landon (of Brett), great granddaughter Nora (of Jennifer and Adam), brothers Joe (Kim) of Fond du Lac, Tom (Barbara) of Sussex, WI, Don (Pat) of Prospect Heights, IL, and sister Joanne. Brother Jim and sister Erma preceded John in passing. In accordance with John's wishes no formal funeral service will be held. Following cremation his remains will be buried in the Tigerton, WI cemetery next to wife Mary and several Ruppenthal generations. Expressions of sympathy may be made in John's memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store of Oshkosh, where he enjoyed many hours of working with the staff and customers.