Charles “Chuck” Edward Rupert Jr., age 82, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2019 at his home surrounded by family. Chuck was born to Charles E. Rupert Sr. and Sabrina A. Powers on April 12, 1937 in Los Angeles, CA.
Chuck grew up in Los Angeles, California and then went on to the U.S. Navy for 8 years, until 1963, and then began his airline career with Bonanza Airlines (which became Hughes Airwest, Republic Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and now Delta Airlines).
Chuck met the love of his life, Donna M. Rule, and they soon married on June 3, 1967. They had just celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary in June 2019. They moved to Montana in 2008 from Texas. They have two children, Heidi M. Lorang, and Devin E. Rupert.
He retired after 35 years in 2000. Chuck enjoyed researching family genealogy and collecting books and movies. He participated in the Knights of Columbus as a Fourth Degree Knight and was an avid member of the Cathedral of St. Helena for many years.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Charles E. Rupert Sr. and Sabina A. Powers, and was the only child.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Donna Rule, children, Heidi (Timothy K. Lorang) M. Lorang, and Devin (Yoonkyung Choi) E. Rupert. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tasha A. Lorang, David N. Lorang, and his great grandchild, Ryan J. Lorang.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23rd at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St. Graveside services will follow the Mass, at 3:30 p.m. at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Chuck.
Richard and Joyce Rupert says
Dear Donna and Family,
We’re so sorry to hear that Chuck passed. Joyce and I convey our sincere condolences to you and your family. I enjoyed talking to him about all his genealogy research of the Rupert family, he was very dedicated to his hobby. We learned a lot about our family history as a result. We’re glad that we got to finally meet my long-distance cousin face-to-face a number of years ago.
Sincerely,
Richard and Joyce Rupert
Jim Schieldge says
Dear Donna,
Thank you for the very sad news, Chuck, or Charlie as I knew him from childhood was my oldest friend. We grew up together in Highland Park, an older area in the north east section of Los Angels. We played together daily as kids going to the local movie house to watch old cowboy movies and the Saturday Matinees with cartoons. Sometimes we hiked over the foothills of LA. We attended Yorkdale Grammar School, the local public School, before both transferring to St. Ignatius, the grammar school of our parish. After we graduated from Cathedral High School I lost track of him until I finally tracked him down in Texas. I was so glad you and he were able to attend our St. Ignatius class reunion in 2013, the first time I saw him since high school. He seemed very happy and I was very happy to see him too. I’ve lost an old friend, but I have a treasure trove of a lifetime of memories of him. Thank you for staying in touch. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With much affection and friendship,
Jim Schieldge
Jim Ford says
Dear Donna and Family,
I have lots of great memories of Chuck (Charlie) from our time together as classmates at St. Ignatius and Cathedral High. That’s a wonderful picture of Chuck from his Navy days. It was great fun being with you and Chuck at the St. Ignatius class reunion in 2013. I am praying for you Donna and the whole family at this time of your great loss.
Lots of love,
Jim Ford
Mark Mlekush says
I did not know Charles but I do want to thank him for his services to protect us all and our country. My father Donald R. Mlekush passed a away many years ago but be for his passing, he also served our country in The United States Air Force. Now when I say a prayer on Veteran’s Day at my father’s grave site, I will remember to say a prayer to Charles. Thanks for you services Charles.