James Ruplinger

James Ernest Ruplinger was born on September 7, 1948 in Benson, MN, the son of Robert and Audrey (Hoffman) Ruplinger. James was baptized in Fairfield and confirmed Our Redeemers Lutheran Church in Hancock, MN. He graduated from Hancock High School where he participated in football and wrestling. Jim then continued his education at Willmar Community College. In 1967 Jim moved to the Twin Cities where he worked at Elk River Concrete. That is where he met Lee Ann Tollefson. Jim and Lee married on October 5, 1968 at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church in Hancock, MN. Together they raised three children; Becky, Amy and John on a farm near Hancock. Jim raised livestock, corn, soybeans and wheat from 1972 until 1994 when he retired. After he retired from farming he kept himself busy by managing the Rainbow Rider routes, driving truck for RK Transportation and Cabinet Components. In 1997 Jim and Lee moved to Alexandria, MN. Jim enjoyed golfing, gardening, hunting, and spending time with friends and family. He also enjoyed watching Twins baseball and Vikings football. Jim and Lee enjoyed traveling in particular Caribbean Cruises and trying his luck at Black Jack. Jim was wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother who loved getting together for family events. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. James E. Ruplinger died on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at Knute Nelson surrounded by his loving family at the age of 65 years old. He is survived by his loving wife Lee Ruplinger of Alexandria; parents Robert and Audrey Ruplinger of Alexandria; daughters Becky (Todd) Nadgwick of Kensington, MN and Amy (Brad) Searle of Morris, son John Ruplinger of Aberdeen, SD; MN; four grandchildren Sami Searle and special friend Matt Smith of Morris, MN, Cody Nadgwick, Nissa Nadgwick, and Jameson Nadgwick all of Kensington, MN; sister Jan (Jim) Striepe of Spirit Lake, IA and his beloved Boston Terriers Clyde and Gus. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. A Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend David Wallin officiating. Kim Byrne provided the music. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery. Honorary Pall Bearers were all of Jim?s grandchildren and Mike Ascheman, Pete Joos, Aldean Hoffman, Lowell Rohloff, David Paul, Don Timmerman, Ron Hoffman, Brad Searle, and Todd Nadgwick. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria www.andersonfuneral.net