100 Years for Martin Rupe

It's a special time for our family.  Today, 100 years ago, my grandfather Martin Rupe was born, on January 17, 1924.  

My Grandfather Martin, in 1963

The four of us, his grandchildren, got into the custom of calling him Papa.  I think a fitting soundtrack for his birthday is the "Ioway" song from the movie State Fair, because I certainly owe Iowa for him since he was Iowa born and bred, likely fed on Iowa corn.

The one distinct image I have of my grandpa recurred when I visited him at the home he and my Grandma Dottie had in the southeastern part of Wheaton.  After entering the front door and greeting Grandma, I would walk down a short hallway to the east end of the house and enter a room where Grandpa was seated in a chair, usually reading, and we would exchange greetings.

He often sat in that room, and so, when I called their house, he was usually the person who answered the phone.  When I called him on November 11 to greet him for Veterans' Day, I would be ready for his voice on the other end of the line when it was answered.  For his service, he now has the honor of lying in rest at Lincoln National Cemetery, with my Grandma.  As a prelude to this milestone, I went there about a month ago to lay a wreath at his grave as part of Wreaths Across America.

I also remember 25 years ago, we celebrated his birthday at 75 years, and we, as a family, gathered at a restaurant.

And as I think about this milestone of 100 years since his birth, it was fitting to hear more about him from those who know him so well, his children, my Mom, my uncles, and my aunt.

Mom remembers that her Dad made "surprise plates" for lunch, which would usually include some healthy foods and treats like pretzels, marshmallows, and maraschino cherries.  (Mom actually did that for me when I was growing up.)  And she remembers those occasional evenings, when, after they had already gotten into their pajamas, they would get dressed to go out and make a run to Dairy Queen.

Grandpa Martin served in the US Navy during World War II for 4 years.  He served in the rank of 3rd Class Radioman.  He turned 18 just over a month after the Pearl Harbor attack.  His father told him to enlist, or otherwise, he would get drafted into the US Army and would likely fight Germany in Europe, which would be a deadlier situation.  My Uncle Brian notes that my Grandpa was part of the invasion and liberation of Okinawa.  My Aunt Terri says she's very proud that her Dad served in the Navy, as part of the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation, who showed a high level of patriotism that would be beneficial again in our country today.  As part of the honors he received for his funeral, a US flag was draped over his casket, and then folded up with dignity at the committal ceremony at the cemetery by members of the US military. My Grandma Dottie kept that flag in a special triangular shape for 20 years until her passing, and my Aunt Terri now has it.  

Here's the flag when it was on top of a chest in my Grandma Dottie's apartment.

My Mom has a special framed photo of her Dad in Navy dress, and I believe my Grandpa Martin's mom had it in her home for years--the image is below, courtesy of my Uncle Brian.

When he returned home at the end of the way, my Uncle Brian noted that he surprised his mom at a Hy-Vee grocery store in Ottumwa--and I'm sure that was an epic surprise.

Another photo of Grandpa Martin in Navy dress, courtesy of my Uncle Brian.

Grandpa Martin used his GI benefits to attend Washington University in St. Louis.  In pursuit of his career, he ended up in Chicagoland.  He rented a room across the street on Lyman Avenue from where my Grandma Dottie lived.  She invited him over to join her family for dinner, thinking he would ask out her sister, but then asked her out on a date.  On June 8, 1957, they were married at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Oak Park.  Soon thereafter, they acquired a house on the 1100 block of South Highland Avenue in Oak Park, where they raised their four children.

He got two master's degrees, in education and psychology, and even completed coursework for a PhD.  Aunt Terri says that he was so pressed for money in school that he would go out to eat and order a plate of vegetables.  He devoted his career to education, working as a teacher, guidance counselor, and principal.  She once went with her dad to see him teach and could tell that he had a great rapport with his students.

Grandpa Martin did so much to support other people.  With his studies in psychology, he was eager to lend a listening ear and help people in their challenges.  Mom also noted that she did a series of tests with him to gauge possible career choices, which is something he had access to as part of his job.  One story I heard is that one day, their 18-year-old neighbor from a few houses north on the block, Jayne Carr, came to ask him for advice about her life.  He must have given her special advice because eventually, she married James Thompson, and became First Lady of Illinois when he was elected governor.

At one point, he developed a reputation for closely resembling actor Robert Young, who starred in the shows Father Knows Best and Marcus Welby, M.D., to the point of drawing attention when he was out.  (I think he bears a resemblance to his fellow Iowa native Marion Morrison, the actor John Wayne.)

Aunt Terri says he was a family man, in the fullest sense of the expression.  He took on the duties of raising his children faithfully, at a time when it wasn't common for men to be so involved in childrearing.  Aunt Terri says he put my Grandma on a pedestal, and made sure that she got the respect she deserved.  Grandpa and Grandma were a good team, even doing wallpaper together.  Later, he was involved in helping my Aunt Terri care for her twins, my cousins, when they were infants.

My paternal Grandma Vel recalls one time she visited him in the hospital after he had surgery.  When she walked into his room, Grandpa stood out from the seat where he was sitting and offered it to her.

My cousin Megan remembers that she came to their house with her high school youth group to sing Christmas carols.  Then they stayed, and had a great time.  She also remembers they surprised him and Grandma Dottie with gifts at their front door.

While he struggled to overcome the effects of a stroke, he never stopped trying to gain ground, which was evident in his declining health toward the end of his life.  It was fitting that our family selected the verse from 2 Timothy 4:7 on his grave, which, despite the error made on it, is something we hold dear: "I have fought the good fight."

Grandpa loved music, and played the trombone.  He supported my Aunt Terri in studying piano and my Mom in playing the flute.  He also was a great host, inviting people over for gatherings and even bridge games.

He grew up in Ottumwa, IA, and there are great memories associated with that place.   All 6 of the Rupe family would drive 5 hours west for visits with Grandma Rupe, Grandpa Martin's sister Aunt Jean and the three cousins.  There was a vast amount of food served, and fun games of canasta.  Mom consistently regards Aunt Jean as a fun person.

On this special milestone occasion, the music "Fanfare for the Common Man" comes to mind.  Grandpa Martin contributed so much to our society and the United States of America by making an impact on those closest to him.

So with much gratitude for all he has done, I say, Happy Birthday Grandpa Martin!