Hays, Kansas – William John Rupke, age 85, died Sunday, February 14, 2016, at Hays Medical Center Hays, Kansas after suffering a lengthy illness.

He was born June 25, 1930, in Long Island, Kansas, to Christian and Grace (Smith) Rupke. He married Deloris (Baker) on August 2, 1950, in Phillipsburg, Kansas.

He worked for a farmer 18 1/2 years at Prairie View, Kansas, before moving to Hays, Kansas, in 1970. He also worked at the Hays-Toulon-Yocemento Coop Elevators for 17 1//2 years.

William was an active member and deacon of the Luctor Christian Reformed Church at Prairie View, Kansas, before moving to Hays. He then became a member of the First Baptist Church of Hays. He enjoyed his family, bowling, and serving on the Hays Bowling Association Board.

Survivors include his wife, Deloris Rupke, of 65 years, of the home; two sons, Kenneth Rupke and wife, Debbie, Robert Rupke and wife, Bonnie, both of Hays, KS; three daughters, Linda Eggers and husband, Terry, Plainville, KS; Charlyn Coleman, Port St Lucie, FL; Jacque Massaglia and husband, Matt, Hays, KS; 12 grandchildren, Glen McClurg, Patrick McClurg (Kim), Michael Coleman (Erin), Shanna Zimmerman (Michael), Curtis Rupke (Tori), Tamara Rupke (Willie Carter), Bryan Rupke (Miriam), Dustin Rupke (Sheila), Daisha Alderson (Matt), Nichole Peck (Josh), Steven Massaglia (Danielle), Brina Gerstner (Lance); 28 great grandchildren; 3 step grandchildren; numerous step great grandchildren; one sister, Carolyn Dillon and husband Dwight, Corpus Christi, TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John Rupke; four sisters, Wilma Kuiper, June Carter, Gertrude Priest, Angeline Sterling; one son-in-law, Wally Coleman; great granddaughter, Carleah Jo and one step grandson.

Services are 10:00 A.M. Friday, February 19, 2016, at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Burial in Mount Allen Cemetery Hays, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Friday, all at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays.

Memorials are suggested for Camp Christy, Scott City, KS or Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Condolences can be sent via email to [email protected].