Obituaries

RUPPEL, Manfred

RUPPEL: Manfred returned ’Home’ to the LORD on Oct. 17, 2020 at the age of 82, beloved husband of Bernice. He also leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Derrick and Terry (Michelle), four grandchildren, Chelsea and Jaden and Jordyn and Rylee, brother Gunter and niece Silvia (Uwe) Quakernack. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Marie and sister in law Hannalore.

Manfred was born in Munster, West Germany. He lost his father as a soldier in World War II when he was 3 years of age. At the age of 13, his mother offered him the opportunity to move to Canada to be with relatives Lawrence and Katie Bens. In 1957 he met Bernice in Unity, Saskatchewan, who later became his wife in 1960. They spent time in Saskatoon and Unity before relocating to Penticton, BC in 1969, raising their sons Derrick and Terry.

During Fred and Bernice’s 40 years in Penticton, community contributions included his Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning business servicing the TelStar Motel (Best Western), owned by Barry Wilson, who became a lifelong friend. Fred was the Mechanical Contractor for the building of Theos Restaurant, and later developed homes with Theo. In 1988, he partnered with J. Janz to build The Springs, a 90 home 55+ community.Fred and Bernice developed Hillside Estates in 2003, and in 2005 they built their retirement home overlooking Okanagan Lake.

A family man with a big heart, he enjoyed boating with family at Sun-Oka Beach, could always be found at Derrick and Terry’s hockey games, loved spending time with his grandchildren, and was always willing to help out. His adventurous side would take him on long quiet drives pondering his thoughts, clearing his mind and feeling into new possibilities.

The family would like to express thanks to the doctors and nurses including Dr. Roy Maroney, KGH, BC Cancer clinic, Interior Health Care and the Kelowna Palliative Care team, who all provided compassion and wonderful care! The family pays respects to Father Rex for his services and blessings, and to the First Memorial Funeral Home for their diligent services.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a Private Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 31st , 2020 at 11:00 AM, family and friends who wish to view the Mass may do so by going to www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com , click on Mr. Ruppel’s obituary and click on the live stream link to view the service.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Central Okanagan Hospice Association, www.hospicecoha.org (Palliative Care).

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299

Link: www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Condolence Messages

Oct 25, 2020
With Heartfelt Sympathy, Bernice and Family. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all at this sad time.

Delores and Andy Wist
Oct 25, 2020
Dear Bernice

I am sorry to hear of your husband's passing. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Irene Herman
Oct 25, 2020
Bernice and family, our Prayers and Thoughts are with you at this time.

Love Reg and Loretta Reiter
Oct 25, 2020
Time to reflect on a special life.

Danny Evans
Oct 24, 2020
Dear Bernice and family

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. So sorry to hear of the passing of Fred. Hugs to all.

Jeneane and Peter Boser