Memories for Charles

From: Dan & Jeri Langemo

We were very saddened to learn of Charles' passing. He was an incredibly kind person, whose caring devotion to his wife was as good an example of Christian love as you could possibly find anywhere. The world would definitely be a better place if there were more people like Charles Ruppert, and our loss is deep now that he has left us. May God be with you at this difficult time, and comfort you in the many wonderful memories you have of him. Charles was truly a terrific man.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Chad Omdahl

Roxanne and family,

You have my fullest sympathy with the loss of your father. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers back here at Hatton. Please let us know if we can do anything for you or your family.

Sincerely,
Mr. Omdahl

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Debbie (Tollefson) Oines

I just wanted to extend my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your dad and grandpa.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Alan and Vicki Reep

Sorry for your loss - I first heard Charles name when the Blue Jays went to New Town and my parents said " I wished Charles was our coach." That great smile when he greeted anyone will be remembered.

Vicki and Alan

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

God bless Coach Charlie

Ernie Godfread

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Mike and Nancy Hady

We were so sorry to hear of your father's death. We wish we could be there, but we are in ElPaso visiting Kelly and his family. To lose both of your parents so close together has to be very hard. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. A memorial will be sent to the Wee Links in his name. Mike and Nancy Hady

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Tracy and Myrt Scott

We feel your sorrow and pain at the loss of your father. I admired the devotion and love your father showed his wife over the last 17 years. Myrt and I have all of you in our prayers and thoughts.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Kurt Wollschlager

Mr. Ruppert will be missed. Coaches, teachers and men like him are rare. Heaven is blessed by him. Hello to all of his children and know that he is home.
Kurt Wollschlager
NTHS Faculty

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Kandace Bergan Theisen

Sincere sympathy to you all. Your Dad was such a presence in so many young lives! He lived by the strong character he tried to teach! Kandace Bergan Theisen, Class of 1963

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Gay Kuhn

Chuck & Cindy, So sorry to hear about the death of your Dad. It is hard to lose them no matter how old they/we are or how sick they were. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Gay

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: John Greenslit

In my brief career at Minot State, I had the pleasure of officiating many area games. It was always a treat to work for Charlie, as he was the prime example of class, dignity and professional conduct. His teams had excellant fundamentals and work ethics. He took coaching and teaching to the highest level. Recruiting his athletes always got a warm reception with future educational goals of his athletes being the highest priority. I was fortunate to have known him from a distance, as he added to the quality of being a teacher and coach.
John Greenslit, Minot State '60, MSC baseball coach in 1963-65, physical education/health instructor, NDHSAA official. 1127 Arlington Drive, Lansing, Mi 48917

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: John Severson

I grew up in Stanley and played basketball against the New Town Eagles many times (1960-63). We always had a tough time against Coach Ruppert since he always had a good team. We had the greatest of respect for his coaching skills.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Jerry Schwan

I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with the Ruppert family. I had the honor and pleasure in working with Mr. Ruppert at NTHS. Our golf outings after school (sometimes before the bell rang ending the school day) was so enjoyable. He was a special man.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Michelle (Long) Schmidt

I just wanted to extend my deepest sympathies to the whole Ruppert family in the loss of not only your father, but your mother as well. The comfort is in knowing that your parents are together....

I'll never forget your dad trying to coach me in golf..."Michelle, you have a great swing...I just can't figure out why you can't seem to hit it straight!" I would frustrate him to no end! Well Mr. Ruppert, I still can't seem to get that little ball to go straight, but the love for the game came from you and your passion for the sport...so thank you for that!

Cherish the memories of your parents...

Sincerely,
Michelle (Long) Schmidt

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Liz, Larry and Family
We are sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers, if you need anything just let us know.

Ole, Michelle, and Cooper Shipp

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Rogene (osborn) Ralph

My memories of Charles and Kay go way back to babysitting for them in the 1950's They were our first look at the "Donna Reed" family, the 3 of us Osborn girls just idolized them for their grace and intense helping of others, they always cared for others around them and treated us like we were important to them. they were our first mentors.which we have carried with us thru life, You have great memories to keep them alive in your hearts, Our prayers go with you. Rogene, and Laura

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Denis Limke

My thoughts and prayers are with his family. What a great and gentle person who had a keen wit about him. I respected and admired him for his sharing of ideas in coaching. A real Legend.
Denis

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Sandy Wollan

Kim and family,
I was sorry to hear of the death of your father. I will be thinking of you in the coming days.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Brittany Valdez

Ruppert Family:

I am so sorry to hear the about your loss!! He was such a sweet man! You are in our thoughts and prayers!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Dave and Sharon Lien

We were so sad to hear of Mr. Rupperts passing, also your mother. All of my memories of school from the third grade on seem to have Mr. Ruppert in them in some way. Our heart goes out to the whole family especialy Chuck, Cindy and Liz.
Dave and Sharon Lien

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Rudy

May God be with all of you during this difficult time. Roxanne, Vance, Christina, and Scott, if there is anything that we can do for you, just let me know.

Rudy, Rich and Ali Brereton

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Bob and Anna Phipps

Our sincere condolences on the loss of your dad. Our prayers are with you that God will give you extra strength in this difficult time!
Remember:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on thine own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths!" Proverbs 3:5,6

We have nothing but admiration for your dad in his dedication and love while caring for your mom these past few years! He was a role model for all, young and old!!
May all your good memories help sustain you in your sorrow!
He and your mom were responsible for the blessing of our "first daughter"...Roxanne!

God bless the memory of Charlie!
With loving sympathy and prayers,
Bob and Ann Phipps

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Wallace and Bernice Akerlind, Carol and Art Lund Amber and Heidi

Gone from our sight but not from our hearts. Caring thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May God be with you all at this time of sorrow.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Roxie

I miss my dad so much words can't describe. He truly was a great husband, dad, coach, teacher and the list could go on. He was an inspiration to so many people. But we know that Dad is with Mom and they are happy again.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Joel Gilbertson

So many memories of so many wonderful times in New Town. There were many late Friday and Saturday nights with Charlie and Roy checking on basketball scores on KFYR radio and a "bounce by bounce" replay and analysis of another Eagles victory. Rest in peace, Charlie. Joel Gilbertson

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Kimberly Kay

Dad, you were a giant amoung men. Miss you til I see you...

Love you,
Kim

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Jay and JoAnn (Ruppert) Snyder

I just learned today (March 18th) that your Dad passed away. It was a real shock. If Mom knew of his death she didn t remember to say anything. He is my last Uncle. He sang at our wedding. We were always proud of him and his accomplishments, especially his basketball successes. We are sending our thoughts, sympathies and prayers.

Jay and JoAnn

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

To the families of Mr. Ruppert: May God bless all of you and cherish the beautiful memories of your father and grandfather.

My family and I want all of you to know that we share in the loss of our friend. Your dad and mother used to always attend Carla's basketball games at Minot State University and we always had a wonderful time visiting during halftime. Carla always called him "Coach".

He is truly reunited with your mom and how happy they must be.

May God Bless

Adeline & Glenn Brunsell, Carla Clark & family, Corrine Heart & family.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Wendy Fladeland

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" Proverbs 3:5

No words can truly express how much I wish you didn't have to experience this loss. May you be comforted in knowing He is finally Home.
Praying for all of you,
Wendy

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: DON SAND

Please accept my most heartfelt condolences for the loss of this dearly beloved coach and father. I was priviledged to have been a member of the NTHS basketball program under the tutelage of Coach Ruppert from 1958-1961. We were ranked 1'st in the class B polls for most of my senior year but suffered a devastating loss in the semi-finals of the state tournament to Mott that continues to haunt me 48 years later. I will always remember Coach Ruppert for his exceptional basketball knowledge, passion for sports, and love of teaching. I especially remember the many times he was willing to open the gym on Sunday afternoons (his time for family and rest) so we could indulge our love for the game of basketball. He also taught me how to type in a commerce class for which I'm forever grateful. But in the "game of life" Coach Ruppert will forever be remembered for his integrity, love of family, dedication to the art of teaching, and steadfast devotion to his beloved wife, high school!
sweetheart, and mother of his children for whom he provided such assiduous care during the years prior to her demise last year. Coach Ruppert will truly go down in the history books as one of the great North Dakota high school sport legends. May he now rest in eternal peace in his heavenly home and may the Ruppert children find peace and comfort in knowing that this wonderful father and coach will be joining their mother in everlasting paradise hopefully with other athletic immortals.
With profound sorrow in your loss,
Don Sand
NTHS Class of 1961

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Ethyl & Russ Papineau

Our sympathy goes out to all the family in your loss, also losing your mother so recently. What a gift your father gave caring
for your mother for so many years.

As a NTHS grad I recall his
typing class in particular and of course his coaching of our "Eagles". We were all so proud of our coach as
well as the team. Russ graduated from Alexander and
they envied the coaching skills of Coach Ruppert.

So many wonderful memories..
they are the treasure.

Love and Blessings to all,

Ethyl(Senger)Papineau
NTHS 1960
Russ Papineau
Alexander HS 1961

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Denise Washburn Grantier

I have thought about my former teacher alot in the last few weeks. Watford City won the region title in basketball and had quite a few tight games lately. I was thinking of Mr. Ruppert and him never wanting his bb players to be dating or having girl problems during the season. :) Ant I stated just that in the last few weeks with a smile on my face...
I have to give your Dad alot of praise for being there for your Mom over the last many years. My Mom too suffered from that same disease. My sympathies to you as a family. I have many good memories of your Father.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Tim and Judy (Kraft) Bingen

To the Ruppert Family,

We are very sad to hear about the loss of your father/grandfather. Charlie was a great person. Tim has plenty of stories to tell from his days in New Town but the ones that stick out the most are the ones about Charlie and his family. It brings a smile to his face each time he shares them. I was fortunate to work with Charlie in New Town at the NTHS. He was a very dedicated teacher and coach. His loyalty to his teaching and coaching was obvious to all. He cherished his family. He was so proud of his children. We admired his love for his wife and how he cared for her. God Bless them! Prayers to the Ruppert Family

Game of Golf

God, What is my fascination with this game?
Is it the outdoors the green fairways, the blue skies, the lakes and trees,
the feel of the breeze across my face?
Is it the friends with whom I play their companionship, their encouragement, the conversation between holes, the silence as we wait our turn?
Is it the game the balance between grace and skill and power,
the striving for perfection, the loft of the ball, the precision of the putt?
Or is it all of these, and in these, meditations about all of life harmony, friendship, balance, and, every once in awhile, the perfect shot and a glorious Amen.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Dave Vold

Our sincere condolences to the Ruppert family in the loss of their father and grandfather. As a high school senior in 1954 the Oak Grove Grovers played Mr. Ruppert's New Town team in the first game of the Class B tourney. I remember his gracious and kind words to me following the game which the Grovers won. He definitely was a "class act" in my book. Blessed be his memory.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Chipper Farrell

Charley was such a great mentor to so many coaches in ND. I so valued his insight that he shared with me often. I wish I could be there for you, I am in AZ with the MSU golf team.
Chipper

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Ardelle (Rammel)

Dear Ruppert Family,
I am very sorry to hear of yout fathers death. I enjoyed his way of teaching (like typing class) because girls did not have many sports back in my day of 1959,so I did not have him for a coach, just loved him as much as a teacher. Ardelle

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Ardelle (Rammel) Hanson

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Becki Lyson (Lee)

To Charles family. He is going to be greatly missed by all. I had him as a teacher and a coach and I admired him. NTHS was lucky to have him.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Scott and Joan(Carlson) Weyrauch

Entire Ruppert Family:

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. With great respect, we both admired his passion for sports and education. More importantly, his concern in general for the good and well being of all his students and athletes was second to none. The values taught by Charlie and practiced by all his family continue to be a part of the core values we live by today.

Sorry again for your loss.

Scott and Joan

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Norm Johnson

My Condolences to the Ruppert Family for the loss of your Father, Grandfather as well as our Coach and Friend. I had the proud priviledge of being a "CHARLIE EAGLE" My senior year 1957' we were ranked #1 in Class B basketball polls winning 20 straight games and averaged some 70+ points per game. Charles Ruppert was the "Dean" of High School Coaching.

Peacefully, sleep comes to a Dear, Beloved Heart. Quietly, we understand the time has come to part. Tenderly, the love shines on-- a never ending light. Gratefully, we feel its warmth and say Sweet Dreams Charlie, Good - Night

Again to the Ruppert Family, may you find comfort in knowing that many people share your sadness. Our Sympathy, Joanne and Norm Johnson NTHS Class of 1957

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Noah D. Williams

What a fine man your father was, he taught alot of people not only about athletics but honor and ethics. As a boy it was him that took the extra time to do the little things that steered me in a better direction. Golf, baseball, Basketball Tennis, Football, he was the one responsible along with my grandmother and grandfather that gave me the passion to play and to learn.

So I thank you Charlie "Coach" Ruppert for all the fond memories.


Always

Noah

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Bill Berg and Lorraine Berg Thompson

To My Classmate Kim and the Ruppert Family:

I was very saddened to hear of the recent loss of both your parents. I remember Coach Charlie quite well and have many memories of the Ruppert Family. Hard work and fair play were the premise of what he taught me. I hope and believe those standards have stood me well over the years.

My sincere sympathy and regards,

Bill Berg
Willows, California


From My Mother Lorraine:

To the children of Charles and Kay Ruppert:

My thoughts and prayers are with you all at the loss of Kay and Charles. Kay was a very lovely woman and one of my best friends. Charlie was a dedicated teacher and coach who deserved all the recognition he received over the years.
May God give you peace in knowing they are now in his care.
Your friend,
Lorraine Berg Thompson
Willows, California

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: GAYLE LEE

THINKING OF YOU. MAY YOUR MEMORIES BE YOUR HEALING.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: John Carlson

To the family of Coach Ruppert,

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you. I had the pleasure of having Coach Ruppert introduce me to every sport I have ever played. His passion and competitive spirit for each and every one of them has stayed with me through my adult life, for which I am forever thankful. The amount of time he gave to me, my classmates, and many, many others, including siblings, cousins, and an uncle, will never be forgotten. Some of my fondest memories of my time with Coach were spent on the golf course and baseball diamond. God bless Coach Ruppert and his family. He will never be forgotten.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------