Joseph Neil Ruppert

Joseph Neil Ruppert, 82, of Johnstown passed away on Monday, February 13, 2017 at Pathways Hospice. He was born December 27, 1934 in Slayton, Minnesota to Joseph Nick and Lenore E. (Wornson) Ruppert and graduated from Slayton High School. Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army Airborne in June 1953 and was honorably discharged in May 1956, during the Korean Conflict and served in the reserves until 1962. Joe married Bonnie Knips on June 15, 1957 in Lismore, Minnesota, celebrating 59 years. To this union were born four children, Joseph III, Heidi, DeeDee and Patty. The family moved to North Carolina in 1981, Loveland in 1993 and settled in Johnstown in 1995. He worked for IBM for 34 years, retiring as a manager in 1991. Joe was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Johnstown, American Legion and VFW Post 2585 in Johnstown. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and woodworking. Survivors include his wife, Bonnie; son, Joe (Lori), daughter, Heidi Lutz (Ed Dyche); grandchildren, Kristen Ruppert-Leach, Jackie Rothermich, Daniel Lutz, Tyler and Breanna Sage; three great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, William and Paige; sister, Donna Leenay and brother, Tom (Carol). He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 daughters, DeeDee and Patty. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 16, 2017 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1000 Country Acres Drive, Johnstown. Inurnment at the Johnstown Cemetery with a reception to follow at the church. Memorial gifts may be made to "St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or Pathways Hospice” in care of Adamson Cares, 2000 47th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80634. Friends may leave condolences at adamsoncares.com.