Robert W. Rupel's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Robert (Bob) Wakely Rupel, "Mr. Charleston" , age 98 passed from this life into his eternal life on Sunday, July 22, 2018 in the comfort of his home. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Masonic Services conducted by members and guests of Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M. will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 29, 2018 at the funeral chapel, followed by a celebration of life service with Pastor Vikranth Kodavatikanti officiating. Bob's request was that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Bobs Childrens Home or Charleston Community Church. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation/service or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.Bob was born October 7, 1919 in Fort Wayne, Indiana the son of the late Alva and Cecil (Brown) Rupel. He was also preceded in death by his two sisters, Martha Dobernick and Mary Lou Blandford. He married Marcella Pearl Rice on October 31, 1942 in Paris, Illinois and she preceded him in death on October 8, 2005. Bob is survived by his son, Tom of Mercedes, Texas, granddaughter Toni Riebe (Bill) of Bradenton, Florida, grandson Frank Rupel (Paula) of Neoga, Illinois , his five great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Riebe, Lucas Riebe, Kaytie Richey, Janel (Eric) Luczkiw, and Brooke Rupel; his great-great granddaughter, Faydence Chandler, and special friend Marylou Harshman.Bob graduated high school in 1937 and enrolled in the International Business College of Ft. Wayne, Indiana. In 1939 he earned a spot on the Washington Senator's baseball "farm team" where he played for two years. In 1941 Bob hung up his cleats and moved back to his roots, going to work for McMillin Feed Company (Master Mix). 1942 was a pivotal year for him as he met the love of his life on a New Year's Eve blind date. Marcella clearly remembered beating him 7 straight games of Duck Ball. (Anyone who knows Bob knows the night didn't end until he won a game.) They wed in October and moved to Platteville, WI to start a new life and job with Pillsbury Feed Company. In 1944 he and Marcella moved to Charleston and started their own business, People's Feed Store. Charleston would be their home for the rest of their lives and where they would raise their son Tom, who was born in 1945. A few years later in 1951, partnering with Robert (Bob) Moore, Rupel and Moore Grain Company opened. Rupel Grain was formed 4 years later and Bob retained ownership until his retirement from the business in 1979. Retirement for Bob included becoming a full-time farmer, a job he truly loved.Bob loved Charleston, the city he called home for nearly 75 years, where he and Marcella built their business, raised their son Tom, and actively served the community through many organizations. He became a mason and member of Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M., earning the Valley of Danville Scottish Rite in 1947, member and past president of the Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), member of the Chamber of Commerce (1974 Outstanding Citizen), Hospital Board President, EIU Panther Club Hall of Fame, Charleston Community Church (deacon), and Charleston Country Club (board of directors). Bob selflessly gave of his time and talent to shape the future of this small mid-west town he called home.His compassion and love for his community spread to the children of Chicago, IL and Bengal India. Willie White, a former EIU Panther Hall of Fame recipient, took the love, understanding and compassion he learned from his dear friend (Bob) and became instrumental in changing the lives of many children of inner city Chicago. Bob, along with Vikranth Kodavatikanti (dear friend and spiritual advisor) built Bobs Childrens Home to minister and spread God's love to the children in India. Bob grew up learning the values of a good work ethic, civic duty and compassion for all. He passed all of these qualities on to his family and friends. His generosity and love were large and he supported their dreams, cried their tears and enjoyed their successes. With a twinkle in his eye and a satisfied smile, he spent his life adding value to the world. He will be missed. Heaven is getting not just a man, but a good man.Click to view Family Memorial Video.Funeral ServiceFuneral Services celebrating the life of Bob Rupel were held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 29, 2018 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston with Pastors Vikranth Kodavatikanti and Bill Hall officiating. Mrs. Toni Riebe gave the eulogy. Masonic Services were conducted by members and guests of Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M. Leading the service was Mitch Saret, Worshipful Master; Jon Cole, Chaplain; and Robert Bennett, Secretary. Prelude and Postlude selections were played by pianist Gayle Cox who also accompanied the congregational hymn of ""Amazing Grace"". Vocalist, Kaitlyn Riebe and vocalist and pianist, Brooke Rupel, both great-granddaughters of the deceased, sang ""Save A Place"". Recorded selections of ""King of the World"" and ""I Can Only Imagine"" were also played. Burial followed at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston. Serving as pallbearers were: Mark Eskew, Rick Eskew, Tom Gilbert, Chuck Graves, Andy Houk, Ben Houk and Mike Houk. Honorary pallbearers were: Bob Ambrose, George Cobble, Max Cougill, Larry Drake, Renee Fuller, Bob Inyart, Richard Jack, Dale Lang, Max Lang, Jack Nanda, Jim McNutt, Jimmie Replogle and Greg Yount. SERVICES Visitation Saturday, July 28, 2018 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920 Celebration of Life Sunday, July 29, 2018 2:00 PM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920 Masonic Services Sunday, July 29, 2018 2:00 PM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?