by Laurel | December 26th, 2011
We do know August Ruppert’s obituary was in error — burial was in Smiths Ferry Cemetery, not Forestdale as reported. Also we can see Marie’s maiden surname is Degenkolbe. There can be information of genealogical interest obtained from memorial inscriptions on tombstones.
August & Marie Ruppert Tombstone
1 May 1928
August Ruppert Dies, Was Pioneer German
Came to City 40 Years Ago — Widow, Two Daughters, Son Survive
Holyoke, April 30 — August Ruppert, 74, one of Holyoke’s pioneer German residents, died today at his home at Smiths Ferry after a long illness. he came to this city with his wife almost 40 years ago. Mr. Ruppert is credited with being the first man in Holyoke to engage in the Christmas tree business and was also a great lover of birds, carrying on a bird store here many years.
He then went into the German delicatessen field, being a pioneer in that in the city also. He retired about 20 years ago, his son succeeding him. He then removed to Smiths Ferry and engaged happily in farming in a small way. Last September he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding, about 200 relatives and friends being present. Bother were active in the Bridge Street Turverein.
Besides his widow, he leaves two daughters, Mrs. Herman C. Markert of Amherst, and Mrs. Alfred Carl of this city, one son, Ernest in Germany, a nephew in Adams and 11 grandchildren. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at Alger’s funeral parlors. Rev. M. L. Steup will officiate and burial will be in Forestdale.
30 December 1929
Mrs. Marie E. Ruppert
Mrs. Marie E. Ruppert, widow of August F. Ruppert, died tonight at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Alfred Carl of Smiths Ferry, after a lingering illness. She was born at Saxony, Germany, August 19, 1854; and came to Holyoke 47 years ago. The Rupperts belong to a well-known, old-time German family here. She was an attendant of the German Reformed church and a member of Carola lodge. She leaves a son Richard A., of Holyoke; two daughters, Mrs. Herman C. Markert and Mrs. Alfred Clark of Smiths Ferry; a brother in Germany, and a nephew, George H. Regenhopl, of Adams, and 14 grandchildren. The funeral will be held at the Dickinson-Streeter funeral parlors Wednesday afternoon at 2. Rev. E. S. Stuebl will officiate, and burial will be in the Smiths Ferry cemetery.
Adapted from the Springfield Republican, photo from my personal archive.
