Olin "Chris" Ruppel's Obituary
Olin “Chris” Ruppel, age 70, passed away Saturday, April 8, 2023. He was born May 30, 1952 in Muskegon to Roswell and Ruth (Monson) Ruppel. Chris graduated from Reeths-Puffer High School in 1970 and worked over 30 years for Grand Haven Stamped Products as a Class A Tool and Die maker prior to his retirement. On July 15, 1972, he married the love of his life, the former Gail Hughes in Muskegon. He attended First Lutheran Church, was a proud member of the Northside Lions Club and was a life-long member of the Muskegon Bowmen. Chris was Norwegian and was very proud of his Viking heritage. He also played Santa for many years for family and friends. He loved spending time with his family, but most importantly was his time spent with his grandchildren. The grandchildren will fondly remember spending time at grandpa and grandma’s and getting to wear “papa shirts” for sleepovers. Chris is survived by his wife, Gail; children: Kristan (Jason) VanLerBerghe of Galveston, TX, Kelli (Bob) Chatman of Muskegon, Jamil Kirk of Illinois, and Chester Coleman of Muskegon; 12 grandchildren: Makenzi, Sam, Alexandru, Melissa, Hailie, Christian, Aiden, Hannah, Australyah, Isabelle, Vincent, and Ozias; three great-grandchildren: Bentley, Kira, and Kaden; two sisters: Mary (Bruce) Faulkner of Arizona and Jeanine (Ralph) Spencer of Munith, MI; and many loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert Ruppel. A celebration of Chris’ life will be held 1:00 PM Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at First Lutheran Church (1206 Whitehall Rd., Muskegon, MI 49445). Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Northside Lions Club. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100
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