Debra “Debe” A. Rupp, age 74, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Holy Family Memorial hospital in Manitowoc.
She was born in Sheboygan on June 4, 1952, to the late Frederick and Dorothy (Eckdahl) Kletzien. Debra graduated from Sheboygan South High School and then graduated with her LPN license from LTC. On July 14, 1973, Debe married the love of her life, Larry Rupp, in Sheboygan. The two met at Hoffmans at Riverdale when she worked in the kitchen and where she acquired her nickname, “Scoop”. She was an amazing nurse who loved touching those she helped, working at Rocky Knoll for many years and also at Sunny Ridge. Most of her career was spent next to Larry operating their restaurant, Rupp’s at Riverdale and then later, Rupp’s on Washington, until their retirement in 2023.
Debe loved gardening, being outdoors, baking, spoiling her Saint Bernards, going on car rides, especially on the race track in South Carolina, and exploring the family homestead in the woods. In her earlier years, Debe loved to sew and enjoyed making all of her daughters Halloween costumes. Above all, Debe was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Debe is survived by her husband of over 53 years, Larry; daughter, Melissa “Misty” (Shawn) Matzdorf; grandchildren, Nolan and Samantha Matzdorf and a sister, Linda (Jerry) Kammerzelt. Nieces, nephews, other family and friends further survive.
Along with her parents, Debe was preceded in death by a sister, Sandy (Tom) Thibodeau.
Following Debe’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family ceremony has taken place. She will be laid to rest at Sunrise Memorial Garden.
Memorials in Debe’s name can be sent to the Sheboygan County Humane Society, Lakeshore Humane Society or to the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund.
The family would like to thank Dr. Bettag, Dr. Horth and Dr Hemsing and their staff for the excellent care shown to Debe over the years.
Zimmer Westview Funeral & Cremation Care Center is caring for Debe and her family. To leave an online condolence for them, please visit www.zimmerfuneralhome.com
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