Thomas "Tom" Jerome Rupiper

HAMILTON - Thomas “Tom” Jerome Rupiper, 71, passed away peacefully at home on October 26, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He gave cancer a valiant fight and kept a positive attitude throughout the 18-month ordeal.

Tom was born in 1950, growing up in Yankton, SD. High school brought him to Sioux Falls, SD where he attended the minor seminary all four years. Midway through, he decided the priesthood wasn't for him, but stayed with it to be on the varsity wrestling and cross-country teams. In 1977, Tom packed up his belongings and headed out west in search of new experiences and adventures. He eventually landed in Boise, ID, after his car broke down, where he met his future wife, Ann, while working at a Holiday Inn.

Tom was a people person. He loved to talk and was always willing to jump in and help others. Whether it was someone stranded on the road, building a fence, organizing a move, supporting the needy, cheering up a child or chasing down robbers, Tom took action. This trait, along with his fun-loving spirit, led Tom to his two 20+ year volunteer activities: the Hamilton Fire Department and Hamilton Baseball Association. Tom worked incredibly hard and filled his schedule to maximum capacity. He was a house painter by trade; exhausting and messy work but Tom loved seeing the transformation of buildings after a job well done. He was especially proud of his work on the catholic church. In addition to painting, fireman duties, parenting and coaching, Tom built the family home, in a learn-as-you-go style, while holding down these other responsibilities. He never truly retired. Like his father, he couldn't sit still and was always working on a project of some kind. Even during chemo treatment, in the early days of cancer, Tom took on the task of re-shingling the roof.

Tom is survived by his wife, Ann of 43 years; his two children, Jean (Jimmy) Marx of Missoula, Lance Rupiper of Roseville, CA; three grandchildren: Hailey Rupiper Marx, Erica and Alex Marx; and his sister, Jan Spielman of Scottsdale, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Bridget Rupiper; and brother-in-law, Mark Spielman.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Tom's name be made to the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 562, Hamilton, Montana 59840 or to Hamilton Babe Ruth Baseball, PO Box 1077 Hamilton MT 59840 .

A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Friday, November 4, 2022, in the Daly-Leach Chapel and a funeral service at 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Daly-Leach Chapel, with a reception to follow in the Community Room.