Ruth Elaine Jensen, ninth child of Elizabeth Mary (Hanson) Jensen and Henry Edward Jensen, was born January 17, 1930 and grew up in Tracy, MN.
On February 18th, 1951, she married Dean Curtis Rupp, the man she asked to the Sadie Hawkins dance her junior year of high school. The two built their home in Burnsville, MN where Ruth has resided for the past 53 years.
Ruth loved her family beyond measure and is survived by her four children Alan Rupp, Linda (Rupp) Stein, Kathie (Rupp) Boe, and David Rupp along with each of their spouses, 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
After her husband’s death in October 1975, Ruth stepped into the role of Chairman and CEO of Rupp Industries, Inc., a commercial industrial heating, ventilating, and air conditioning manufacturing company. It was a role she hadn’t expected, but with her characteristic tenacity, intelligence, and courage, she thrived in her work – indeed, during her tenure, the firm expanded into an international corporation. The business was sold in 2008. Ruth was unfailingly generous in her time, energy, and boundless compassion for others.
She was truly a servant leader: she served on the Executive Board of the Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce, was involved in establishing the Minnesota Trade Office with Norway, and completed several international trade missions for the state of Minnesota. When she wasn’t traveling, serving, or leading, Ruth also had a great passion for painting, ranging in forms from Scandinavian folk art to fine art.
Ruth took her final breaths on November 4, 2019, the anniversary of her husband’s birthday, and was surrounded by her loved ones til the end. Visitation was held on Monday, November 11, 2019 from 11:00am – 1:00pm, followed by a service at 1:15pm at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 W. 50th St, Edina. There was a private family interment after the service. Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel handled the arrangements.