It’s a special time for my family because 100 years ago, on Jan. 17, 1924, my grandfather, Martin Rupe, was born in Iowa. He grew up in a small city called Ottumwa. The Pearl Harbor attack happened a month before he turned 18. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Following the war, he used his GI benefits to attend Washington University and worked for many years as an educator, in various roles, including teacher, guidance counselor, and principal.
He settled in Oak Park across the street from where my grandmother Dorothy lived. They married at St. Catherine-St. Lucy Church and raised their family, including my Mom, on the 1100 S. block of Highland Avenue. He and my grandma lived there for about 40 years.
He also pursued graduate studies in multiple fields, including counseling, and was always ready to lend a listening ear. Perhaps that’s why one day, an 18-year-old neighbor named Jayne came over to ask him for advice about her life. Surely he gave her good counsel because she married Jim Thompson and became First Lady of Illinois.
My grandfather Martin was an exemplary family man, educator, and community member, a great citizen who contributed much to our society.
So there’s plenty of reason to celebrate, and I might just do so in in the spirit of his “surprise plates” with snacks and treats.
Happy birthday, Grandpa!
Paul Rubio
Oak Park