Rupert Henry Zwiebel

Rupert Henry Zwiebel (Rupe), passed away on May 5, 2021 at Medical Center of the Rockies. Rupert was born on October 11, 1932, in York, Nebraska, to Martin and Charlotte Zwiebel. He attended school in York, Nebraska. He had plans to take over the family farm, but was drafted to the Army to go to the Korean War. He proudly served in the Army from 1952 to 1954, which then he was in the Army reserves until 1961. Rupe married Betty Jean Kreis on December 21, 1952. They had three children together, Mike, Bonnie, and Doug. They were married for 55 years before Betty passed away in 2008. When he returned from the Army, he got a job at Midplane Motors in York, Nebraska where he started his career as a mechanic. In 1970 he moved his family to Loveland, Colorado and continued his career as a mechanic and tow truck driver for Garret Motors for 10 years. In 1980, he started his own business, Rupe Truck and Auto in Loveland, Colorado. Through the 17 years that he ran his shop, he made many friends. Rupe thought he was ready to retire in 1997 when he finally shut down the shop. He wasn’t ready to walk away from his loyal customers just yet. He continued to work on cars in his garage until 2017. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family and watching the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Denver Broncos. Rupe was preceded in death by his parents, Martian and Charlotte, His brother, George Zwiebel, and his wife, Betty Zwiebel. He is survived by his sons, Mike Zwiebel (Leah), Doug Zwiebel (Denise) and daughter Bonnie Sweeney. His 10 grandchildren, Chad Hicks, Ryan Hicks, Jason Zwiebel, Nathan Rowe, Shadelle Ayers, Brittany Hicks-Sweeney, Bryan Zwiebel, Christina Roberts, Trina Omorefe, Hilary Mathiesen. Also, his 20 great grandchildren, Kaylee, Isaac, Aria, Marshall, Wyatt, Emmeline, Mackenzee, Quinn, Colton, Rebecca, Efosa, Ciara, Gabriella, Cameron, Savannah, Ayden, Adyson, Ashlyn, Alexxys and Easton. A memorial service to honor Rupert’s life will be held Friday May 21, 2021 and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Loveland, CO at 10:30AM. In lieu of flowers and donations may be made in Rupe’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.