Karl L. Rupp

Karl Lee Rupp, beloved husband, son, brother, Uncle and friend passed away November 2, 2014 at his home.  He was born in Grand Junction, Colorado on September 7, 1953 to the late Dale & Maria Rupp.  He attended Grand Junction schools, graduating from Grand Junction High School in 1971; he attended Mesa and Western State Colleges.  Karl and his wife Betty (McKay) enjoyed a wonderful 35 years of marriage.

He was a respected businessman, owning and operating Black Canyon Corner in Montrose for 38 years.  Karl had a warm, friendly nature and a keen sense of humor that drew people to him.  He enjoyed sharing his love of Western Colorado with tourists new to the area and many became lifelong friends. Often, they planned their yearly vacations around a stop at the Black Canyon Corner and recommended that friends and relatives from this country and abroad make a stop, also.  He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing and rock hounding.  Karl loved a good story and a joke.

Karl also loved to share his interests with his nieces, nephews, young people who worked at the store, and those just passing through.  He often spent an afternoon showing a novice rock hound around the shop and then sent them home with a small gift to encourage them to discover more on their own.  He shared his love of music with his nephews and probably didn’t even realize what a great father figure, mentor and role model he became to so many.

Karl is survived by his wife, Betty, of Montrose; brother, Frank, of Kremmling; In-laws Rilla and Dana Snyder of Glenwood Springs; Vivian McKay and Don and Kelly McKay of Grand Junction.  Karl is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews who loving referred to him as, Uncle Mister Sir-El Jefe-Ya Fende-the Pinnacle.  They are Heather and Charles Carson of Grand Junction; Lin McKay of Charlotte NC; Alice Dussart of Palisade; Grace Rupp, Brenda McKay, Brittany and Josh Muchowski, Kelsey McKay, and Matthew McKay of Grand Junction; Kyle and Kevin Snyder of Glenwood Springs and great nephews and nieces, Milo of Palisade; Ruby, Kaleb, Katie, Autumn, (and soon, Minnie) of Grand Junction; he will be missed by many dear friends.     Karl is also survived by his dog and best bud, Nellie.

Karl requested no funeral services and a celebration of his life will be announced at a later date.  Arrangements are under the care of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Colorado