David Ruppert

David Orlo Ruppert, 81 of Nokomis, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.  He was born on February 1, 1945, in Pana, the son of Orlo and Beulah (Moeller) Ruppert.  He married Lenore Fricke on June 11, 1966, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Nokomis.  He graduated from Nokomis High School and went on to earn bachelor’s degrees in dairy science and education from the University of Illinois where he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.  David was a lifelong dairy farmer; he owned and operated R-Homestead Dairy in Nokomis.  He previously taught ag education for 7 years in Highland before returning to the family farm.  He was passionate about the dairy industry and served in many roles including Secretary of the Prairie Farms Board and Director of District 4; the Animal Health Board for the State of Illinois under Governor Edgar, Past President of the Illinois Holstein Association, Director of the National Holstein Association and was recognized by Prairie Farmer as a Master Farmer.  He was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (LCMS) where he served as and Elder and Sunday School teacher for many years.  He was also a 4H leader and coached multiple youth sports teams through the years. 

He is survived by his wife: Lenore Ruppert of Nokomis; children: Tonya Garrelts (Lloyd) of Nokomis, Lance Ruppert (Amy) of Heyworth, Jenè Clementz (Nathan) of Raymond, and Lora Hilgendorf (Marc) of Nokomis; grandchildren: Shae Cilento (Alex), Paige Hoffmann (Josh), Chase Ruppert, Noelle Clementz, Brenley Clementz, Kenna Clementz, Hadley Clementz, Maebry Clementz, Landon Hilgendorf, Kaylee Hildendorf, and Logan Hilgendorf; siblings: Tom Ruppert (Ruth) of Seward, Nebraska, and Christine Anderson (Dale) of Tiskilwa.  He was preceded in death by his parents. 

A funeral service for David will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Chris Prumm officiating.  The visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and 1 hour prior to the funeral.  Burial will be in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.  Stiehl Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis is assisting the family with arrangements.   

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