James H. Rupple, M.D.

James H. Rupple, M.D. (Doc Rupple) died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on June 16, 2022. Jim was born October 6, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan to J. Gordon Rupple and Ruth (Strasser) Rupple. He graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine and finished his residency at the Kresge Eye Institute in 1960. He met Shirley “Shirl” Peterson on a blind date who became his bride on October 1, 1960. They were married by Pastor Kurz at Saint James Lutheran Church in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. They settled in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin in 1961 and he accepted a position at the Fond du Lac clinic as an Ophthalmologist. He remained at the clinic for more than 38 years and retired January 1, 2000. During his career as an Ophthalmologist, he cared for thousands of patients. He was tremendously grateful for his fellow physicians, nurses, optical shop, and all the staff at the clinic, and St. Agnes hospital. He was also appreciative for all the referrals from other clinics and physicians over the years.

Throughout his life, he was active with the Elks Club, Noon Rotary, Fond du Lac Yacht Club and Ascension Lutheran Church. He enjoyed playing pinochle, bowling, going on fishing trips with the guys to Madeline Island and golfing with his friends at South Hills CC in Fond du Lac and the 49ers group at Naples Lakes CC in Florida. His girls, Shirl and their daughters, Jayne and Nancy were the apples of his eye. He loved attending dance recitals, college graduations and discussing their respective careers. Eventually, he got his boys in the form of sons-in-law, Jim and Brett and grandsons, Parker (26), Ross (23) and Jimmy (17).

Jim was a die-hard Packer fan. Not only was he a Lambeau season ticket holder, but also went on the road to see his beloved Packers. He had many Packer stories stemming all the way back to his camera freezing while at the Ice Bowl and then later meeting Bart Starr at a Packer game in Kansas City.

Heartfelt gratitude to Jenny Triatik and her team for the comforting support for Jim during the last several months and to Candace Michaels, special friend of the family. They are indeed earthly angels.

Jim will be remembered for his kind smile, warm heart, and dedication to helping others. He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Gordon and Ruth Rupple. He is survived by his wife, Shirl Rupple; daughters, Jayne (Jim) Lauby and Nancy (Brett) Pautsch; grandsons, Parker Johnson, Ross Johnson, Jimmy Pautsch; step granddaughter, Jenny Maveety; step great-grandson, Silas Maveety; sister and brother in heart, LaRaye O’Brien and Jerry O’Brien.

Services: Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 27, 2022, at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E Division St, Fond du Lac, WI 54935. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at Ascension Lutheran Church, 901 County Rd V, Fond du Lac, WI 54935.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Fond du Lac Foundation where a scholarship fund is being established in honor of Jim and the Rupple family, or to Ascension Lutheran Church for their community emergency/crisis fund, or the charity of your choice.