Raoul 'Rod' R. Ruple

Raoul R. Rod Ruple, 82, of Grand Island died Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at Golden Living Park Place in Grand Island. Services will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island. Burial will be at Grand Island City Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be on Friday evening from 5 to 7 pm at Apfel Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Trinity United Methodist Church or to Habitat for Humanity. Apfel Funeral Home is caring for the family. Rod was born on April 28, 1930 at Grand Island, the son of Paul M. and Grace (Lee) Ruple. He grew up in Grand Island, graduating from Grand Island Senior High School in 1948. He entered the United States Air Force on August 7, 1948. He was honorably discharged on March 10, 1950. He was united in marriage to Nadine Hall on February 11, 1955 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Grand Island. The couple lived their entire married lives in Grand Island. Rod worked as the Director of HUD in Hall County for many years. During his tenure, numerous projects benefitting Hall County were completed. Rod was a member of Trinity United Methodist church, Methodist Men, Stephen Ministries, and he also worked with Junior Achievement at Grand Island Public Schools. He enjoyed reading, writing, hunting, fishing, but especially being with his family. Rod is survived by a son, Lance Ruple of Bronson, FL, a daughter, Kristine and husband Jeff Juett of Grand Island, one granddaughter, Meagan Ruple and friend Jeremy Lindholm of Grand Island, brother Lynn and wife Kay Ruple of Lincoln, sisters Jan Heimbuch and Connie Carey, both of Lincoln. He was preceded in death by his wife Nadine, brothers, Bill Ruple and Duane Ruple, and sister Phyllis Ruple. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.apfelfuneralhome.com.