The following was updated Monday, July 15, to reflect a change in visitation time.
Franklin Dwayne Rumppe, “Frank,” 83, of rural Kendall, Wis., passed away July 1, 2024. Frank was born Jan. 30, 1941, to Earl and Crystabel (Jacobus) Rumppe. He was the last of their 10 children and the only one to be born in a hospital. His name was inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt, who shares his birthday.
Frank grew up on his family farm in Ontario. After high school, he married Shirley Boerst of Tomah, and they moved to Burlington, where he worked for American Motors. They had a daughter and a son, and after 10 years, the family moved to a dairy farm outside of Kendall. Frank and Shirley parted ways after raising their family.
Frank gained a second family when Alice Seddon joined his life. Frank and Alice worked a dairy farm near Hillsboro for several years, later moving to a home Frank built near Kendall. Alice and Frank loved to dance, laugh, and share their home with family and friends.
Frank is survived by his children, Dawn Job of Delavan, Wis., and Mark (Peggy) VanRumppe of Brecksville, Ohio; Dawn’s children, Mark (Becky) Baker, Jacob Job, and Jordan (Christina) Job; Mark’s children, Ethan VanRumppe and Ella VanRumppe; and his great-grandchildren, Sean, Zachery and Levi Baker. He also is survived by Alice’s daughter, Lori (Gerald) Kaul of Burlington and their children, Mandy (Levi) Hornyak and Chase (Dawn) Robertson, Michael Larson of Kendall and his children, Michael Larson Jr., Megan Larson, and Jimmy (Mara) Larson; and Alice’s son, Gary (Karen) Larson of Oshkosh and their children, Mindy (Ian) McGregor and Jessi (Micheal) DeVine; and Alice’s daughter-in-law, Janet Larson of Burlington and her sons, Marshall (Rachelle), Nathan (Emily Burrell), and Tucker (Whitney).
Frank also is survived by the mother of his children and former wife, Shirley; Frank’s sisters-in-laws, Doana Rumppe and Eileen Rumppe; along with many nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Mertie (Lawrence) Beier, Fern (Max) Conant, Alfred (Darlene) Rumppe, Mildred (Howard) Anderson, Harold Rumppe, Robert (Mary) Rumppe, Earl Rumppe Jr., Arlene (Alonzo “Nuck”) Orethun, and Darlene (Gerald “Sonny”) Hanson; Alice Seddon; and Alice’s son, David Larson.
Frank benefitted from the cutting-edge care provided by Mayo Clinic, and in a final act of pragmatism, he donated his body to them for further research.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the Ontario Community Center, 114 Church St., Ontario, WI 54651. Pastor Bob Streeter will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Saturday from 12 p.m. until the time of service at the community center. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
