Obituary of Donald John Ruppe

November 22, 1943 – June 22, 2026

Passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026 at Waterloo Regional Health Network (Grand River Hospital), at the age of 82.

Loving father of Donna Lutz (Rob) and Mike Ruppe (Bernadette), grandfather to Amanda (Ryan Ludwig) and Steven Lutz, Scout and Rene Ruppe and great grandfather to Colter Ludwig.

Predeceased by his parents Edward Ruppe and Norma Goodwin, his older brother Ed Ruppe and younger brother Dave Ruppe.

Don never retired. He worked in the food services industry for over 60 years, he started in a full-time position at J.M Schneiders on September 30, 1963 and worked there for 28 years. He held different positions throughout his time there but product development was something he truly enjoyed and excelled at. In 2021, Don and his son, Mike, started their own business D&M Ruppe Enterprises Incorporated. This was a passion of his, he loved working with his son and collaborating with all their clients. Throughout his life, Don enjoyed playing sports. Don was also a long-time member of the Stork Family YMCA and attended multiple classes on a weekly basis. He was also an avid gardener and spent many hours sitting in his backyard. Don was a family man who was always there to help with any request the family threw his way. He had a great sense of humour, looked for the positive in any scenario and lived by the adage that you needed to treat people with kindness.

Special thanks to the hospital staff who supported Don and his family, especially his nurses, Corinne and Renu.

Visitation will take place at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Monday, June 29, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A celebration of Donald’s life will be held on Sunday, July 26 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Conestoga Banquet Hall located at 617 King St. N, Waterloo.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family or donations to War Amps or The Salvation Army may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.