Big Rapids – Rupert G. Schwab, 86, of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, July 15, 2010, at Mecosta County Medical Center. He was born December 13, 1923, in Bay City, the son of Martin and Sabena (Boehm) Schwab, and graduated from Bay City Central High School in 1941. During World War II, Rupert served with the U.S. Army. Following his discharge, he worked for Nash-Kalvinator in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for several years. He then returned to Michigan, and was an Engineer for Evart Products for over 30 years until retiring in 1983. Rupert was a life member of the VFW Post # 2964 in Reed City. He stayed active during retirement by helping to raise three teenage girls who called him Grandpa. In 1984, he married Clara Abela, who survives. Also surviving are his daughter Sandra Schwab of Grants Pass, OR; granddaughter Heather Abela-Parson and great-grandson Giavonni Abela of Big Rapids; 2 sisters, Ella Schwab of Lansing, and Loretta Rozewski of Essexville; one brother Roy of Bay City; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 23, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Burial will be in the Pine Plains Cemetery. Rupert’s family will greet friends at the funeral home on Sunday, July 18, from 2-5 p.m., Thursday, July 22, from 6-8 p.m., and prior to services on Friday. Memorial contributions in his name may be made for the American Cancer Society.

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