John Kevin Rupe was born April 3, 1957 in Dubuque, Iowa.  John died October 9, 2020 at the Cherry County Hospital of heart failure.  John had a unique sense of humor that he inherited from his father, Dwayne Rupe.  John's view on life always left a smile on your face, a chuckle in your heart, and a shake of the head.  He will be greatly missed by his wife, Joan Rupe, and his children, Adam and Scott Rupe.  As a business owner in Valentine, John was a respected member of the community. He participated in the local golfing, bowling, fishing and coffee groups.  With a diet soda in front of him, he joked his way through life.

John graduated from Valentine High school in 1976 and from Chadron State College in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Education.  He was a proud member of Theta Chi Fraternity, making many lifelong friends in the process.  John held many jobs over the years.  His first being the Valentine City Pool manager, where he entertained the kids by wearing his Superman costume. His last job was at the Trade Winds Motel, which he owned and managed with his wife for 30 years.  The business was the key to his life, as it opened many doors to opportunities for his family. With Joan at his side, working 24/7, the business came first. Long standing customers and employees became friends. Many conversations made the daily grind enjoyable.  John touched many lives by keeping his children's friends entertained with paintballing, fishing, 4 wheeling and camping trips. Many memories were made in those fun times.

John married Joan Ramm on August 14, 1982.  Adam Rupe and Scott Rupe were born in the years to follow.  Adam's wife, Toni Jafferis joined the fun in 2015.  Adam and Toni gave John  a grandson, Atlas, another 'Rupe' to love in 2018.  John's sisters, Jane Ann Rice and husband Jimmy Rice, Karen Campbell and husband Tom Cambell, are left behind to carry on the many family stories.  John is preceded in death by his parents, Dwayne and Betty Rupe.

John enjoyed stories about life and people. John's family would like you to share a story or special memory of John with them. Please write them down and send them to jkrupe76@gmail.com or 1009 E. Hwy 20 Valentine Ne.  A memory box will be put together for future Rupe's to share.