Judy Ellen Rupel, 85, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025. Judy was born November 12, 1939, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, daughter to Robert Heemsoth and Francile (Shepler) Heemsoth Helbling. Judy started out her working career at Lincoln Life shortly after graduating in 1957 from Concordia High School. During this time, she met the love of her life, Bill Rupel, and they were married in 1961. Judy also worked at Kroger Distribution Center from 1978-79 and then K-Mart Distribution Center from 1980-86. Judy's proudest accomplishment was her 60 year marriage to Bill and their family. She was a phenomenal cook and baker and took great pleasure in hosting many family gatherings over the years. In later years, Bill and Judy enjoyed traveling, including many trips to the casinos. Judy will always be remembered for her kind and loving nature... she was our "queen of diamonds." Judy is survived by her children, Rick (Deb Wolf) Rupel of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Ken (Jacqui Carroll) Rupel of Zanesville, Indiana, Tracey (Chester) Muldoon of Spencerville, Indiana, and David Rupel, of Palm Springs, California; grandchildren, Andy Rupel, Roxanne Rupel, Wesley (Nikki) Rupel, Allison Geyer, and Laura (Jake) Neuhaus; great grandchildren, Hadley Rupel, Kynien Rupel, Xan Rupel, Piper Neuhaus, and Luna Rupel; and siblings, Barbara (Bruce) Maggart, Michael (Ruth) Heemsoth, James (Karen) Heemsoth, Wendy Heemsoth, and Scott Heemsoth. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wilbur "Bill" Rupel; and brother, Robert Heemsoth. Visitation for Judy will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, 6424 Winchester Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46819, followed by a funeral service at 4:00 PM. Contributions in Judy's memory may be made to Stillwater Hospice. Please visit www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com to leave condolences.
