The lore in the Quinlivan family is that our grandfather Ray reportedly said you never know how well you did as a parent until you see how your children raise their children. By all marks, Francis and Elaine were outstanding parents. I have the privilege of being an athlete, voyageur and friend guided by their son Fred, as have hundreds of men and women. The Rupp family have been great leaders thanks to Francis and Elaine, we’re in debt to you.
Francis O. "Fumpie" Rupp
June 12, 1921 – March 5, 2015
A Memorial Mass celebrating the life of Francis O. “Fumpie” Rupp, age 93 of Rice, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at Christ Church Newman Center in St. Cloud. Fumpie passed away at his home on Thursday, March 5 with family by his side. Reverend Kevin Anderson will officiate.
Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m .until 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud and after 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the Church in St. Cloud. Arrangements are with the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud.
Fumpie was born on June 12, 1921 to Otto and Florence (Campbell) Rupp in St. Cloud, MN. Fump graduated from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud. He joined the US Army reserves in Oct, 1940 and his unit was activated for WW ll in February of 1941. Fump spent the next four years as a medic staff sergeant managing medical units and transporting ill soldiers across the country. In February of 1945, he was sent to Tinian, an island near Saipan, to help set up a hospital to receive casualties from the planned invasion of Japan. The B52’s carrying the two atomic bombs flew from Tinian to Japan. After the surrender of Japan, the hospital was not needed and Fump was honorably discharged on December 16, 1946. On December 28, 1946, Fumpie married Elaine Toti after a long one week courtship. He retired as a photoengraver from St. Cloud Engraving in 1984. After his retirement, he made the news not only for the lemon and orange tress he grew in his greenhouse, but also for the more than six thousand intricately carved pine trees he made in honor of his daughter Jodee, who died from breast cancer at the age of 41. Fump donated his trees to various charities in central Minnesota, raising thousands of dollars at their auctions. He was a modest, unassuming man with a sense of humor and always a story to tell. Fump generously took his family on vacations to Italy, Mexico, Disneyworld, and a cruise which provide us with lasting memories. Like his namesake, Francis loved all creatures great and small. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Francis is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elaine of Rice; sons, Gregory (Carol) of Maple Grove, Fred (Roberta) of St. Cloud and Jeff (Mary Beth) of St. Cloud; son-in-law, Paul of Vancouver; 8 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren; sisters, Martha Gaetz, Joan McCusker, Carol Schmitt, Sheila Saatzer, and Bobby Schmid.
Fumpie was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jodee; grandson, Taylor; brother Herb; sisters Blanche Mathews and Lucille Herbertson.
Guestbook
I remember Uncle Francis well even though I only visited twice. Unfortunately, we did not get to know my mother’s side of the family very well. I have several of his carved trees which have been sitting on my dining room table for years but my fondest memory is of a poem he wrote on poster boards and set up in Grandma and Grandpa Rupp’s yard when we visited in Saint Cloud. I was probably around 10 years old. The poem read like this: It ain’t so nice for us to talk like bores from McKinley South but we just cannot help what comes from our uncultured mouths. But from our hearts we’re bound to say, to shout, to yell, to scream that ya’ll from that darn ol’ South are sure-nuff tops, supreme! My love and prayers to the family for this great loss.
Fumpie’s kindness and humor will be greatly missed. He was a true friend. We loved our time together with Fump and Elaine. Everytime we walk by our citrus trees or smell the blossoms we will be reminded of Fumpie. He’s forever in our hearts!
I did not know Fumpie, but I wish I had. He was clearly a great man.
Services
Visitation
Daniel Funeral Home, St. CloudServices
Christ Church Newman CenterSchedule Details
A Memorial Mass celebrating the life of Francis O. “Fumpie” Rupp, age 93 of Rice, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at Christ Church Newman Center in St. Cloud. Fumpie passed away at his home on Thursday, March 5 with family by his side. Reverend Kevin Anderson will officiate.
Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m .until 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud and after 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the Church in St. Cloud. Arrangements are with the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud.