Obituary of Robert Otto Rupnow

Robert (Bob) Otto RUPNOW, age 80, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, passed into the light on February 7, 2010. Bob was born on May 18, 1929, to Ilma and Otto Rupnow. He was raised in Milwaukee, WI and received his degree in Horticulture & Botany from UW-Madison. He served in the Air Force for four years and was a veteran of the Korean War, spending a year in Korea maintaining radar equipment, before receiving an honorable discharge. His varied work experience began in Davenport, Iowa, where he managed and nurtured Vandermeer Park Rose Garden, a well known and beautiful park. Next he was instrumental in the development and planning of the Scott County, Iowa, Park. Opportunity called him to Muskegon, Michigan, where he served as Parks Director. In 1970, he and his young family moved to Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin where he served as the Park and Recreation Director for 20 years, retiring in 1990. After retirement he served on the Jefferson County board for 10 more years. He especially enjoyed the development of the various parks in the area, and visited them frequently. He married his beloved wife June in 1951. He was a wonderful husband and father to four children, always interested in their activities and pursuits, and particularly enjoyed travelling to his daughter's tennis matches and area tournaments. His greatest heartache was the tragic loss, at 11 years of age, of his daughter Pamela in 1966 who, along with two of her friends, died after being pulled into an undertow in Lake Michigan while at a friend's birthday party. Bob dearly loved traveling, camping, canoeing, and hiking with his family. He was an avid swimmer, rising early each morning to swim laps at the local pools. He also enjoyed going on picnics with June to area lakes and parks. His other passions included gardening, reading, listening to classical music and enjoying the varied wild life visible from his home on the Rock River. His church, Bethany Lutheran, was also very important to him. Surviving are: Wife: June Rupnow, Fort Atkinson, WI, Brother: Norman Rupnow, Milwaukee, WI, Daughter: Sandra (Brian) Neher, and granddaughter: Kelsey and grandson, Grady of Grants, NM, Daughter: Kris (Michael) Blevons, Birmingham, AL, and Daughter: Lisa (Kent) Ritchie, Milwaukee, WI. He was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Bader, and his beloved daughter Pamela. A Memorial Service celebrating Bob�s life will be held Saturday, February 13, 2010, at 11:00AM at the Bethany Lutheran Church with a luncheon following the service. Friends may call from 4-7PM on Friday, February 12, 2010 at the Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson and after 10:30AM on Saturday at the church until the services. His family wishes to express deepest and most heartfelt thanks to all the caregivers of Rainbow Hospice for their time, patience, and loving care throughout Bob's illness. We truly value the friendships made on the journey. �You're free now from your earthly confines; go and soar with the angels.� www.nitardyfuneralhome.com