Stanley Eugene Ruppel May 24, 1933 August 17, 2024
Fresno, California - Stan lived a long and full 91 years as a husband, father, and grandfather. Born and raised in Fresno, he attended Edison High School and then Fresno City College, where he played baseball with his future brother-in-law. He joined the Air Force in 1953. He served in Germany as a radio operator until 1956, and continued in the Air Force Reserves until 1961. For over 15 years, Stan sold copiers throughout the valley for 3M Company and was consistently one of their top salespersons before they closed. He then joined Haehl Equipment until his retirement.
He married the love of his life, Helen Yraceburu, in 1959. In fact, he loved her so much he converted to Catholicism since she would not marry him otherwise. Their wedding took place at St. Alphonsus Church and were together for 61 wonderful years until Helen’s passing in 2020. Stan also enjoyed golf, bowling, cards, and most of all, caring for his home’s yards. He was especially proud of his lawns and seemed to always be fertilizing, raking, or mowing them.
Stan is survived by his two sons, Stan (Lisa) and Steve (Tracy Dere-Ruppel), daughter Helen, and his sister, La Verne Horn. His five grandchildren (Jameson, Daniel, Evan, Sam, and Hunter Eve Ruppel) filled his later years with joy and every time he was with one or all, he would always say how he couldn’t believe how lucky he was to be their grandfather.
Stan passed away peacefully on August 17, 2024, with his service to be held at Our Lady of Victory Church, September 23 at 10:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made in his name to Nazareth House of Fresno.