Stephen RUPCHOCK

24 DEC 1935 - 29 SEP 2010

• BIRTH: 24 DEC 1935, Mishawaka, St Joseph, IN
• DEATH: 29 SEP 2010, Mishawaka, St Joseph, IN

• MARRIAGE: 1958, St Joseph County, IN

1.  Thomas Richard RUPCHOCK

INDEX

[N22471] Stephen W. Rupchock, Jr.
December 24, 1935 ~ September 29, 2010
Stephen William Rupchock Jr died September 29, 2010 following a brief illness. He was surrounded by three generations of loving family at the time of his death. Steve was born December 24, 1935 in Mishawaka, IN and was a lifelong resident of the area, living the past 37 years in Niles, MI. A 1954 graduate of Mishawaka High School, Steve served in the Marine Corps Reserve and later attended IUSB and Southwestern Michigan College. He retired from Bayer (previously Miles Lab) in 1997. Steve is survived by his wife of 52 years Carol (Noble), son Tom of Mishawaka, son Don (wife Toni) of Seattle, daughter Mary Noble (granddaughter Asha) of Ashland, OR, and daughter Kathryn Pizzo (husband Mike, granddaughters Tessa and Kara) of Seattle, WA. His son, Rick, and daughter, Patricia, preceded him in death. Also surviving is his mother, Martha Rupchock of Granger, IN. His father, Stephen W. Rupchock, Sr, preceded him in death. Steve was the oldest of ten close-knit siblings, all of whom survive him: brothers Pete, Bob, and Dan Rupchock, and sisters Betty Gadacz, Marge Roberts, Cathy Riordan, Marty Smith, MaryAnne Dunlop, and Judy Cross. Steve’s wife and children will be eternally grateful for the tremendous support provided by his brothers and sisters and their families. Steve leaves his legacy of a strong work ethic, an unwavering faith in the Catholic Church, and the priority of family above all else. After retirement, Steve's nickname was "The Bike Man" because he loved buying old bikes at garage sales and refurbishing them while listening to Beethoven in his barn. Steve loved spending time fishing and joking with his brothers, and family dinners at his mother's on Sundays. By far, his most treasured moments were playing with his three granddaughters. When in their company, he was sure to have his trademark sparkle in his eye and warmth in his heart. Steve was known to belly-laugh until he cried when Asha, Tessa, or Kara were with him. Steve's quick wit and banter will be missed by many. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM, Monday, October 4, 2010 in St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Road, Granger. Graveside services will follow at Smith Chapel Cemetery in Niles, MI. Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 - 5:00 PM Sunday, October 3, 2010 in the Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, where a vigil will be held at 3:00 PM, and also from 9:00 - 10:00 AM Monday at church prior to services. Memorial contributions in honor of Steve may be given to St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Joseph County, Inc., 3408 Ardmore Trail, South Bend, IN 46628. Online condolences may be sent to the Rupchock family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com