Merwin “Ted”, “Smoky” Rupp, 84, died Sept. 2, 2017 in Dubuque, Iowa. Visitation was from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road, Dubuque.  Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Darlington, where visitation was also held Thursday from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.  Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery.
He was born in Epworth, Iowa to Glenn and Mildred (Fuoss) Rupp. His father died when he was three years old. Ted married Jean Ann Kilkelly in 1953 and they were blessed with four children. She preceded him in death on June 21, 1987.
Ted had a series of careers where he displayed his many talents. He was a welder and heavy equipment operator on the pipeline across Lake Michigan, a twenty nine-year employee of the Dubuque Packing Company, and a mechanic and bus driver for Dubuque Community Schools. He also drove truck and charter bus. On more than one occasion he would show up unannounced in Texas or Idaho in a big rig or bus to see his grandchildren.
Auto racing was a lifelong passion. Early in life he raced with Skip Kennedy at the Dubuque Sports Bowl, Darlington, Lancaster and other local tracks. Later in life he enjoyed watching his son Sean compete. He served the community as the leader of Sea Explorer Ship 307 (St. Anthony’s) at the time Explorer Scouts were going co-ed. With Jean, they grew the organization and helped six scouts complete their journey to the rank of Eagle. Additionally, five scouts received the Pope Pious XII Award, the highest religious award for Catholics in Scouting.
Ted followed girls’ softball, the Cubs and the Packers. He truly loved watching the Cubs during their World Series winning season.
He is survived by his children Jacque, Kelly (Beth), Sean (Brigitte) and Carrie, ten grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Ralph; and two sisters, Mabel and Glennice.
Thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and the staff’s of Luther Manor and Finley Hospital.
For further information, or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.