Family Services for Dennis W. Rupert, age 81, of Atkinson, Ne will be held at a later date.  Dennis passed away peacefully at his home in Atkinson on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.  Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.  Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Dennis Wilson Rupert was born August 23, 1943 to John and Anna (Dawley) Rupert in Cleveland, OH.  Dennis attended grade school at Lutheran East before graduating from Euclid Senior High.

Shortly after his President, John F. Kennedy, was assassinated Dennis joined the United States Air Force.  While in the service he married Sherian Brown, 3 months after meeting, on June 26, 1965 in Dayton, OH.  To this union two children were born, Denise and Jennifer.  The family lived in Dayton where Dennis worked for Sperry Rand Corporation while also running his own printed circuit board repair business, Sheridan Company.  They later moved to Las Vegas, NV where he continued to successfully run his business until 2000, when they moved to Atkinson, NE to be closer to their grandson, Joseph.  Up until Dennis's retirement in 2006 he worked for Bauer-Hedlund Ford and Christensen Farms before he owned and operated Rupert Repair in Atkinson.

Dad loved riding motorcycles, partaking in many long-distance endurance trips and events with his wife and daughters.  Camping and motorcycle trips with his family often involved historic sites, national parks, ghost towns or off the beaten path adventures across the country instilling in his children a fearless curiosity and a love of learning.  He loved the role of teacher, often setting us off to "sink or swim" but always close by to rescue.  He could often be found tinkering in the garage with many an unfinished project strewn about always willing to teach friends and family to work on cars and various other machinery.

Dad had many loyal dogs and feisty cats over his lifetime, often taking in strays or animals in need who knew instinctively that he was one of the good ones.  He believed animals were family, and he made room for every paw print in his heart.

Dad masterfully played the accordion with both charm and irreverence, often punctuating a tune with one of his groan-worthy jokes or a silly face. He used his humor and good spirits to lighten our days, even when life felt heavy.

Perhaps his most lasting legacy was how he raised his daughters and grandson - with respect, independence, and no limitations.  He taught them how to change tires, wire an outlet (sometimes without turning off the power), ride motorcycles, and solve problems without waiting for someone else to do it.  He treated his daughters not like "girls", but like people—strong, capable, and worthy of every opportunity.  His belief in all us was unwavering, and we carry that with us every day.

Dad, thank you for teaching us to explore, to think, to fix and love without condition.  Your legacy lives on in every trail we ride, every creature we protect, every engine we tune and every silly joke we share.  #whoremembers Ride on, Dad.  We'll see you down the road.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 60 years Sherian Rupert of Atkinson, NE, two daughters, Denise Rupert (Brent Storjohann) of Atkinson, NE and Jennifer (Davin Uurtamo) of Phoenix, AZ, two grandchildren, Joseph Baechle (Jade McCray) of Grand Island, NE and Kelsey Newman (Greg Casella) of Long Beach, CA, six great grandchildren, Jaydon, Kyler, Hudson, Ezra, Beau and Natallie, two sisters, Joy Trennel of New Mexico and Gwen Rupert, a sister in law, Nancy Graham of Tennessee and many nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded by his parents, John and Anna Marie Rupert and a granddaughter-in-law, Kaitlyn Baechle.