Alvin (AJ) Rupp, 79, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, died peacefully at home in the early morning of October 26, 2026.

AJ was born February 26, 1947, in Wooster, Ohio, to Glenn Dale and Alma Florence (Gochenour) Rupp. At a young age, his family moved to Northwest Ohio, where he was raised as the second of four children. When AJ was just 16 years old, he experienced the loss of his loving mother, Alma. His father, Glenn, later married Patricia Link, who brought four additional children into the Rupp household. From that union came a beautifully blended family filled with an abundance of love and laughter. AJ’s family shared a deep bond through music, spending time together singing and playing various instruments and eating icecream.

As a teenager, while attending Inlet Mennonite Church, AJ met the love of his life, Linda Lou Sauder. AJ and Linda moved to Fort Wayne and were united in marriage on March 25, 1967. Upon arriving in Fort Wayne, they joined First Mennonite Church, later finding their long-term spiritual home at Agape Church of the Brethren in 1990, where they have remained dedicated and active members.

AJ worked as an auto-technician for his entire career. Yet, far more than his profession, he was truly defined by his love for his family, his unwavering faith in the Lord, and his joyful passion for music and ice cream. His favorite times were spent singing, tending to his garden, playing games with family and friends, and quietly reading—especially his Bible.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Linda; his loving daughters, Kerry French, Kristen Gallmeier (husband Chris), and Amanda Fall; his cherished grandchildren, Heather, Aubrey, Andrew, Jacob, Lauren, Dylan, Derek, Grace, Joshua, and Macy; and 19 great-grandchildren, with two more soon to arrive. He is also survived by his beloved siblings, Nancy, Gary, Dave, and Julie, along with many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

AJ is joyfully reunited in heaven with his parents, Glenn and Alma; his stepmother, Patricia; his siblings, Ron, Ed, and Joyce; and his great-granddaughter, Destiny Bennett.

Celebration of life is Saturday, November 7th at Agape Church of the Brethren, Fort Wayne. Visitation at 10:30 AM, followed by the service at 11:30 AM. Per AJ’s request, a meal and Dilly Bars will be shared by all following the service.

Memorials should be made to The Dementia Society of America or to Agape Church of the Brethren.