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Jane Rupiper
YANKTON , S.D. — Jane Rupiper, 77, Yankton, S.D., died March 6, 2024, at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton. Visitation is from 5:30-7:30 p.m., March 24, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Yankton, with a rosary and vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m., March 25, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, with Rev. Tom Anderson officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Yankton. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Yankton. Pallbearers are Jane’s nieces, Stacy Heiss, Sheena Schramm, Dixie DeGroot, Lisa Halverson, Leslie Morrow and Carrie Steichen. Jane Marie Hofmaier was born Nov. 17, 1946, the second youngest of Lawrence and Katheryne (Eickhoff) Hofmaier’s nine children. She was raised on a family farm north of Crofton, and was blessed to grow up surrounded by so many siblings and wonderful neighboring families. Jane attended St. Rose school and graduated from Crofton High School in 1965, where she was honored as runner-up for homecoming queen. It was one of many titles she would be proud to earn during her lifetime.
In the years following high school, Jane began working at the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan newspaper under Harry Speece, who was the newspaper’s business manager. Recognizing her aptitude, Speece later invited her to serve on the advisory board. During that time, Jane’s talents continued to gain attention. One occurrence in particular would forever change her life. During a 4th of July celebration in St. Helena,, she walked toward the dance hall and caught the eye of Larry Rupiper, a young man from nearby Fordyce. They had their first of many conversations, and the rest was history! The couple was married Nov. 18, 1967, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Crofton. Jane and Larry lived in Fordyce for about a year after they were married. With baby boy, Brian, in her arms, Jane and Larry moved to their new farm north of Yankton. She became the mother of another son, Douglas, just one year later. In addition to managing the responsibilities of being a wife and mother, Jane managed to find ways to share even more of herself. She became a member of Sigel Christian Mothers, taught CCD classes, and lent a hand with the Happy Go Lucky 4-H Club.
Jane’s personal charm, natural beauty, and her impeccable sense of style would be a perfect fit as she joined the staff at Fantle’s department store, downtown Yankton. Jane managed the Estee Lauder cosmetics department, and also modeled some of the latest fashions in newspaper advertisements for the store. In 1980, the family moved near Lewis & Clark Lake. One of her favorite hobbies was decorating their home and entertaining. She was happy to welcome guests and host large family gatherings throughout the year, working selflessly behind the scenes to ensure everyone had a memorable time, especially on Christmas. She cherished the opportunity to expand her family with their third son, Brent.
A handful of years after welcoming their third son into the family, Jane’s time at Fantle’s department store ended, as she decided to stay home to raise their youngest child. After countless games of playing catch, Monopoly, Scrabble, and cards, Brent finished grade school, and Jane was called upon to fill her largest professional role to date. Larry and Jane started Rupiper Tours in 1996. To prepare, she continued her education in Atlanta, Ga., where she studied travel and tourism, as well as airline accounting and ticketing. She was the logical choice to become the front office manager of their new endeavor.
Jane developed into the face, the voice, and the heart of Rupiper Tours. She would be the first to greet customers with her outgoing personality and passion for making everyone feel like they were a welcome part of her family. Though she planned vacations and getaways for friends and family members, her role in the travel industry extended well beyond the Yankton office. Over the years she traveled the world at Larry’s side, and together they visited 35+ countries and almost all 50 states.
Whether she was at home or abroad, Jane treated everyone she met with generous hospitality and her truly outgoing personality. She will always be remembered as the classiest of ladies, yet those closest to her enjoyed her sense of humor, sharp witty zingers, and her hearty laugh.
As Brian, Doug and Brent each had families of their own, Jane especially treasured each daughter-in-law. The arrival of two granddaughters and one grandson filled her heart beyond measure. Jane embraced life with open arms and touched everyone with her graceful spirit.
She was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, former president of the Interchange Organization, and faithfully supported many events and committees.
In Jane’s later years, one of her favorite places was spending the cold winter months sitting on the patio in the Arizona warmth, enjoying sunshine, reading, and watching the golfers. Sadly, Alzheimer’s forced her retirement, and together she and Larry spent the past ten years fighting this difficult and debilitating battle. Larry’s unwavering support and unconditional love were instrumental in Jane’s ability to live her life at home, exactly as she wanted. Her final two years were aided by wonderful caregivers (Margaret, Samie, Jolene, Kathleen) who helped Jane enjoy the pleasures of everyday life. During her final four months, the struggle became too arduous to combat at home. As a result, she found solace at Majestic Bluffs, where she was provided compassionate care over her last days.
She is survived by her husband, Larry; three sons, Brian (Rachel), Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho; Doug (Sarah), Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Brent (Jessica), Yankton, S.D.; three grandchildren, Isabella, Mya and Maxwell; four brothers, Dennis Hofmaier, Downer’s Grove, Ill.; Jim Hofmaier, North Bend, Ore.; Terence Hofmaier, San Diego, Calif.; Gordon (Judi) Hofmaier, Mitchell; sisters-in-law, Sally Hofmaier, Crofton; Judy Hofmaier, Omaha; in-laws and many cherished cousins, nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents,Lawrence and Katheryne; two brothers, Don Hofmaier and Allan Hofmaier; two sisters, Ethel Hofmaier and Ann (Glenn) Halverson; and two sisters-in-law, Jan Hofmaier and Ardie Hofmaier.
