Carol Patricia Rupiper, of Johnston, IA, and formerly of Carroll, IA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at the age of 66, surrounded by her family.
A visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll on Friday, February 2, 2024. A prayer service officiated by Fr. Patrick Behm to follow at 1:00 P.M. A private graveside service will be held at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Carroll at a later date.
All are invited for a luncheon and reminiscing at the Santa Maria Winery directly after the 1:00 P.M. Prayer Service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Carol’s name for the Carroll Animal Rescue League, Kuemper Art Department and other to be designated at a later date.
Carol was born on February 28, 1957, to John and Mary Ann (Werner) Longnecker in Storm Lake, Iowa with a head of hair that had all the nurses talking. Carol grew up in Carroll, Iowa and graduated from Carroll Kuemper High School in 1975.
Carol was a natural artist, identified at an early age with her skills enhanced through the guidance of private art teacher Cecelia Litgroth and later in High School. Carol was referred to a local photography studio during high school to retouch photographs. She brightened up smiles, opened eyes, cleaned up complexions, etc. before there was photo-shop. She continued to paint and draw with her imaginative touch and later turned her focus and interests to photography after purchasing her first Pentax 35mm camera.
Carol’s “Happy Place” was behind the camera lens, patiently waiting to capture that perfect scenic nature shot, unique expression, smile, pose or candid moment on film. Once the portrait pose was in place a directive of “Look at the Birdie” was followed by “Moisten your Lips” just before she would click open the camera shutter to capture that moment.
While in Johnston, Carol continued to show her love for all creatures large and small. Working with the Animal Rescue League and at the 4 Corners Feed store, Carol made sure that everyone’s four legged furry friends and pets, along with the birds were well nourished.
Carol, pure soul loving to all, was a natural at writing humorously and with compassion. She enjoyed the challenge of Sudoku, word search puzzles and playing scrabble with family and friends.
Cooking and baking for family, friends and neighbors in abundance brought Carol great joy. No one ever left hungry when Carol was cooking. Her menus were extravagant.
Carol was a dare devil, lived life with no fear, taking on night time scuba diving in Cozumel Mexico and Black diamond ski slopes in Colorado without any prior coaching. She danced like no one was watching…didn’t care if they were, and often spoke without a filter, in an honest and sensitive manner.
While living in Omaha managing two photography studios and serving as the primary photographer, she met Dave Rupiper when attending her cousin’s wedding. Shortly thereafter at her ten year class reunion they happened to meet again at a get-together a quarter mile away from her parents’ place. The night (early morning) concluded with a walk home to say good night. After two hours of walking back and forth along East Anthony Street and talking the whole time, the good night was said after phone numbers were exchanged and the bond was set in place for life.
The couple married on September 20, 1986. Together for over 37 years, Carol and Dave enjoyed camping, outdoor adventures with their 4 legged family members, music, dancing and travel, including a memorable Alaskan cruise on their tenth Anniversary.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents John (Jack) and MaryAnn, her brother Dan, and Dave’s Parents Wayne and Alice Rupiper.
Left to cherish Carol’s memories are: Her husband, Dave; sisters, Janine Weeks of Cedar Rapids, IA; Mary Cawley (Scott) of Urbandale, IA; brother, Ted Longnecker (Georgette) of Johnston, IA; Dave’s siblings and spouses (the brother and sister in-laws) along with numerous nieces and nephews.