Bernard "Bernie" Rupe

Bernard “Bernie” Rupe, Jr., age 69, a resident of Portland, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2016 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

Bernie was born on January 8, 1947 in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, the son of Bernard and Ella (Bryan) Rupe.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and worked as a truck driver for many years.  He was a member of The Bridge Community Church in Berne and Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association. Bernie was a character who enjoyed having fun with people and never met a stranger. He married Heidi Buser on November 11, 1967.

Survivors include:

His wife:  Heidi Rupe – Portland, Indiana

1 daughter:  Angel Claycomb (husband Chad) – Portland, Indiana

1 son:  Bernie Rupe III. (wife Denise) – Fort Wayne, Indiana

His mother:  Ella Rupe – St. Augustine, Florida

1 sister:  Goldie Rupe – St. Augustine, Florida

1 brother:  Thomas Rupe (wife Nancy) – Wapwallopen, Pennsylvania

6 grandchildren, Kelsey Gagle (husband Zac), Tyler Rupe, Kirsten Bailey, Karly Bailey, Riley Claycomb and Reid Claycomb.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bernard Rupe and a sister, Lou Anne Rupe.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 8, 2017 from 2-4 p.m. at the Williamson and Spencer Funeral Home in Portland.  A memorial service will follow at 4 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home with Pastor Mo Hodge officiating.  The American Legion Post #211 of Portland will conduct military rites at the funeral home following the service on Sunday.  Burial will follow at a later in the Claycomb Cemetery, southwest of Portland.

Memorials may be directed towards the family of Bernie Rupe in care of the Williamson and Spencer Funeral Home.