Edward G. Ruppel

Edward G. Ruppel was born August 1, 1932 to Anthony J. and Anna Marie (Schlomer) Ruppel.  He was the sixth of twelve children born and raised on the family farm on Chimney Pier Road, south of Vincennes, IN.November 29, 1952 he married Barbara (Eluere) Ruppel and she survives.  They had made their home in Lawrenceville since 1956.Also surviving are his eight children and their spouses: John and Joanie Ruppel of Keller, TX; Theresa and Chuck Shelby of Lafayette, IN; Mark and Stephanie Ruppel of Lawrenceville; Christopher and Seemein Ruppel of Carmel IN; Mary Jane and Mike Zuzolo of Lafayette, IN; Jo Ellen and Keith Obermeyer of Jasper, IN.He is survived by twenty-one grandchildren and their spouses Chris, Elizabeth, Katie, Nicholas, Zoe, Rachel, Aaron, Emily and Kyle/Leslie Ruppel, Doug/Kate, Bryan, and Christie Shelby, Francey, Tom, Joe, Peter and Anthony Zuzolo, Eric, Courtney, Vince and Josh Obermeyer and three great-grandchildren Jewelie, Natalie and Gabriel Ruppel.Surviving brothers and sisters are Mildred Pea, Antoinette Hedden, Ralph and Marge Ruppel, Ray and Mary Ann Ruppel, Don and Lois Ruppel, Deacon Earl and Judy Ruppel all of Vincennes and Richard J. Ruppel, Lawrenceville and his brother-in-law Edward J. Eluere, Tampa, FLHe was "Uncle Eddie" to fifty nieces and nephews and their spouses in a very close extended family.  Four of Barbara's nieces and nephews also survive.  His aunt Catherine Ruppel survives.He was preceded by his parents and the following siblings and their spouses:  Mary Elizabeth and Charles Eddleman, Vincent and Rita Ruppel, Robert Ruppel, Lillian Ruppel, Joseph F. Eluere, Bill Pea, Derald Hedden and Brenda Ruppel.  He was also preceded in death by a great-grandson and two nephews.December 1952, Edwards was inducted into the U.S. Infantry where he attained the rank of Sergeant and was chief radio repairman for the 61st Regiment of the 5th Armored Division at Fort Carson, CO.After discharge, he worked as a television repairman.  In 1960 he opened a repair shop, which eventually evolved into the current family business, Ruppel Electronics and Appliance Sales and Service.  His family always worked with him.  With a First Class FCC license, his special interest was maintaining and certifying the electronic guidance systems at several airports.  He was proud to be a Lawrence County merchant and business man of long standing.He was a member of St. Lawrence Church where he had been trustee and council member.  He sang in church choir since age ten; the last 53 years were at his parish church.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.Ed enjoyed traveling to visit all the family.  He was an avid gardener and raised nut and fruit trees.  He enjoyed repairing anything that was broken.  Reading and weather watching were special hobbies.  Family gatherings always included singing around a piano.  He loved both classical and blue grass music.Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm (CST) at the Emmons-Macey and Steffey Funeral Home, 1303-12th Street, Lawrenceville, IL  A prayer service will begin at 7:30 p.m.  followed by the Knights of Columbus.Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Lawrenceville with burial to follow in the Lawrenceville City Cemetery.  Military rites will be conducted.Memorials may be made to Ed's favorite charities: Lincoln Land Hospice; Clothe a Child Program; or the Lawrence County United Fund.