Richard Rupley

Obituary of Richard Rupley ChassellLt. Col. Richard M. Rupley, 77, a resident of Chassell, passed away Monday evening July 5, 2010, at the Omega House in Houghton following a two month illness.He was born on March 29, 1933, in Marion, Indiana, a son of the late Marion E. and Alice (Lash) Rupley. He graduated from the Marion Public School, Indiana University School of Business, received his Masters of Business Administration Degree from the University of Missouri, and Masters of Arts from Northern Michigan University. Mr. Rupley had a love of history, which he shared throughout his life.Lt. Col. Rupley was a veteran having served with the United States Air Force from 1956 until 1982. During that time, he had been stationed in, Illinois, Chanute Air Force Base, as a Maintenance Officer. He was also stationed in Spokane, WA and Kinchloe Air Force Base, Kinross, MI. He then was assigned to the Strategic Missile Squadron, Whitman Air Force Base, Missouri, becoming Combat Crew Commander. He went to Cam Rahn Bay Air Force Base Republic of Viet Nam to manage the largest aircraft engine facility in South East Asia. In 1969, he transferred to the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) detachment at Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey. In 1972 he moved to Aerospace Defense Command Headquarters, Colorado Springs, CO, as a staff officer. He was then selected to create the North American Air Defense Command's Logistics Control Center as Commander of Detachment 1, 46th Air Defense Wing, Peterson Field, CO. In 1978 he transferred to Michigan Technological University, as Detachment Commander to the Air Force (ROTC) program. In four years, the cadet corps grew from 35 students to over two hundred and was ranked among the top ten in the country. He retired from active duty in 1982 as a Lieutenant Colonel at Michigan Technological University. He was certain that he had personally commissioned over one hundred Air Force Officers.Lt. Colonel Rupley was a Master Missileman and his decorations included the Bronze Star, the Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, three Air Force Commendation Medals, the Air Force Combat Crew Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with five Bronze Stars, and other service and foreign citations. Lt. Col. Rupley continued teaching Military and American History for Michigan Technological University following his Air Force Career, retiring in 2002. During that time, he was proud to be named a favorite instructor for the University on a number of occasions. He also belonged to the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.Locally, he was involved with the Houghton Lions Club, where he was a past King Lion , he was a member of Post # 6507 VFW of Chassell. He sat on the Boards for the Chassell Historical Organization and Houghton County Museum, was active with the Keweenaw Historical Society, and the Marquette Historical Society. He also had written many articles that were published in various history magazines, including the Michigan History Magazine.He was united in marriage to the former Judith Moilanen.Preceding him in death were his parents and a step-son Karl LaajalaSurviving are: His wife; Judith Rupley of ChassellHis children; Susan (John) Niehans of IndianaJames Rupley of IndianaJohn Rupley of Colorado His step-children; Kathryn (Phil) Riippa of ChassellKurt Laajala of Chassell8 grandchildrenHis sisters; Mary Jo (Jerry) Zoda of IndianaNancy (Jack) Gaunt of IndianaNumerous nieces, nephews, and cousinsAs requested, a private service for Lt. Col. Richard Rupley will be held at a later date. Burial will take place in the Chassell Cemetery.To view Lt. Col. Rupley's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home has been assisting the family with the arrangements.Service Information To send flowers to the family of Richard Rupley, please visit Tribute Store