Ralph L. Clupper, 90, Rochester, passed away at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday July 11, 2017, at his residence.

He was born on Aug. 24, 1926 in Leesburg, the son of Hugh and Letha Marie (Sutton) Clupper. He served with the United States Army during the Korean War with the 70th Tank Battalion, receiving two purple hearts. On May 27, 1953 in South Haven, Mich. he married Bonnie L. Zimmerman. She preceded him in death on Feb. 13, 2017.

Ralph Clupper had been a carpenter and retired from Sears & Roebuck Company as construction manager. He oversaw the development and construction of the Sears Tower in Chicago, Ill. as well as Sears Retail Stores throughout a thirteen state region. He had been a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts, Moose Lodge and the Eagles Lodge. In his leisure time he enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his children, Terry and husband Steve Coleman; Rochester; Mary and husband John Schultz, Rochester; Julie Wilburn, Rochester; Viki and husband Dave Lawson, Rochester; Mark and wife Julie Clupper, Kewanna; and Matt and wife Stephanie Clupper, Columbia City; nineteen grandchildren, thirty one great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Cecil Clupper and an infant brother and sister, Louise Moon.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday July 14 at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Friends may visit from 4-7 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to service Friday at the funeral home. Interment and military graveside services will be conducted by the Fulton County Veterans’ Honor Guard at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to Nick Patterson Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Northern Indiana Community Foundation.