Harold A. Rumppe

Harold A  Rumppe, 93, of Fort Atkinson passed away on March 4, 2023.  Born to Earl and Crystabel (Jacobus) Rumppe of rural Ontario, WI, Harold grew up “on the farm” with his four brothers and 5 sisters.  With such a large family, the kids all learned about hard work and chores, but it also left plenty of time for horseplay and shenanigans.  Let’s just say Harold and his brothers may have spent more time at Danceland than at Sunday School.

After graduation from Ontario High School, Harold traveled west seeking adventure and  found work operating a combine in the wheat fields of the Great Plains.  Facing the draft, Harold then chose to enlist in the United States Air Force.  Harold served his country for 5 years maintaining jet engines and flying military brass around the world. In his later years, Harold was honored to participate in the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight to Washington DC.

Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Harold began his 37 year career as a semi truck driver.  The majority of his career, Harold worked for LCL Transit hauling tanker trailers filled with melted chocolate to candy companies across the country.  Learning from his childhood not to be wasteful, Harold always had buckets with him to catch any leftover chocolate. For years, wherever Harold went, there were chunks of chocolate in the back of his Ford pickup truck and he shared chocolate with everyone.

Harold was proud of his safe driving record and his role as a Teamster’s Union Steward.  Throughout his career, he was acknowledged with several safe driving awards including the Driver of the Year Award and induction into the Million Mile Club for safe driving.

Shortly after starting his trucking career, Harold married the love of his life,Doana Hutchens.  In November 2022, they celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.  Together they designed and built their dream home on Bark River Road where they raised their family.  Harold loved being out in the country where he could have a huge garden and provide for his family.  And then there were the Raspberries!  If he was home, chances are Harold could be found in the raspberry patch either picking or pruning.

Harold loved to tinker.  From refurbishing old clocks to rebuilding lawn mowers, he literally could fix just about anything.  He was a guy that would do anything for you, especially for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. If you needed it fixed or built, Harold would be over the next day to get the project started.  When there was a winter storm, the neighbors could be sure that Harold would have their snow cleared long before the plow came through.

Harold is survived by his wife Doana,  two children: Robin (Doug) Buerger and Roger,  three grandchildren: Amber (Mike) Chula, Michael (Jaclyn) Buerger, and Alice Buerger, and four great children: Kayla, William, Chrystabel, and Emily.  He is further survived by his sisters: Arlene Orethun and Darlene Hanson, sister in-laws: Shirley Rumppe and Eileen Rumppe, brother Frank Rumppe, and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents Earl And Crystabel Rumppe, sisters: Mertie (Lawrence) Beier, Fern (Max) Conant, and Mildred (Howard) Anderson, his brothers:Alfred (Darlene )Rumppe, Robert (Mary) Rumppe , and Earl Rumppe Jr., and his brother in-laws:Alonzo Orethun and Gerald Hanson.

Visitation and prayer service will be held at Nitardy Funeral home in Fort Atkinson on Friday March 10th.  Visitation will begin at 8:30 am followed by the prayer service at 10am.  A graveside service with military honors  will be held following the service (approximately 1:30 pm) at the Rumppe (Home) Cemetery:16200 State Highway 33 Cashton, WI 54619. Following the burial service, friends and family are invited to Badger Crossing (909 Front St, Cashton, WI) for a luncheon in honor of Harold.

The Rumppe family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the hardworking CNAs and staff at Reena Memory Care.  Also a special thanks to Rainbow Hospice and SSM Health Hospice.  The help and guidance that you  have provided has been invaluable.