David F. Ruppel

David F. Ruppel, age 54, of Sheboygan, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.

He was born in Sheboygan on October 2, 1971, to the late Roger and Sandra (Pierce) Ruppel. David joined the army when he was 18 and rose to the rank of Specialist as an E-4. Later in life he went to college, where he graduated from Lakeshore Technical College and went on to earn his two associates degrees in IT Networking and IT Support. On March 27, 1992, David was united in marriage to Michelle Schimpf. He was employed at Sartori Cheese as a systems administrator for many years where he took great pride in providing service and care in his role.

Along with his loving wife, Shelley, David is survived by his son, Alex Ruppel; his brother Adam Ruppel; his step-brothers Thomas Schimpf, and Andy Schimpf; his Uncles Dale and Dennis Ruppel; and many of his close friends: Shawn Brandt, Ted Rostkowski, Matthew Shallue, Christine Shepherd, Lori Reinemann, Erica Gabrielse, Emily Werner, Shannon Teal, Angela Schelinske, Long Lee, Andrew Lambrecht, and many more.

David enjoyed spending time with his family, playing games with his son Alex, enjoying his hobby of building and painting miniatures, taking long drives with good music, and target shooting with his brother-in-law Thomas. He was a loving family man that did everything for his wife and son, always taking the burden and hardships that came by himself to give them a carefree life. He was a man of incredible willpower and strength, always amazing those around him with his feats against all odds and the lengths he would go to get things done. Despite thinking the opposite, David was a magnet of positivity and fun to those around him; always leaving a positive impact with those he met and interacted with throughout his time.

A Celebration of Life with military honors for David will be held this Summer at King’s Park.

The family would like to thank all of Dave’s friends at Sartori that have gone above and beyond in these times to help care for the Ruppel family.

To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.ballhornchapels.com