Rev. Dean Earl Rupe

The Rev. Dean Earl Rupe, 90, of Lewistown, passed peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016.

Born Aug. 20, 1926, in Altoona, he was a son of the late Stephen and Ruth (Lily) Rupe.

He is survived by: his wife, Madeline Julia (Franco) Rupe, whom he married on Aug. 30, 1952; a brother, Donald Rupe; son, Stephen D. Rupe and wife, Christine M. Rupe; grandchildren, Hillary C. Antolick and husband, Nick, Eric S. Rupe and fiance, Kelly Bree, and Emily M. Rupe; son, Timothy P. Rupe and husband, Mark A. Stuart; daughter, Deanna R. Monroe and husband, Mark J. Monroe; and grandchildren, Alexander J. and Addison D. Monroe.

Dean was a 1944 graduate of Altoona High School.

He served in the Army/Air Force during WWII.

Dean’s education includes the following:  two year certification at Zeth Business School; an associate’s degree from Penn State, Altoona; a Bachelor of Arts degree from Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, in 1952; and a Divinity degree from Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary, in 1956; and ordained in Lancaster, in 1956.

The Rev. Rupe served as a pastor for St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church for 10 years in Centre Hall and Holy Communion Evangelical Lutheran Church for 23.5 years in Yeagertown.

In retirement, Dean served six years as interim pastor for Gatesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church, Warriors Mark and then intermittently supplied as pastor for Shiloh Evangelical Lutheran Church in State College.

A funeral service, with a celebration of the promise of God through Jesus Christ, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 120 N. Main St., Lewistown, with a service of Holy Communion by the Rev. James Rill and the Rev. Larry Louder, who will be officiating.

Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Altoona.

Memorials in Rev. Rupe's name may be made to American Parkinson Disease Assoc. 332 Gerard Ave., Elkins Park, PA 19027

All arrangements are under the care of Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes Inc., Woodlawn, 200 N. Main St., Lewistown. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.hellerhoenstine funeralhome.com.

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