Rebecca Gersmehl

Mrs. Rebecca (Becky) Gersmehl died peacefully at home after a brief illness. She was
comforted in her last days by her children and their families.

Becky grew up in Mellen Wisconsin. She was the sixth of nine children. Becky's father was an
interior decorator, which involved painting and weaving. John Rupp died when Becky was 16.
The family carried on. Carl was the oldest of the nine siblings at 25 and Lucy was the youngest
at age 7. It is likely that the four boys continued in their father's business as later in life their
occupations included sign painting. As a young woman Becky moved to Chicago to study at the
Art Institute of Chicago. At this time she also worked as a governess. By 1943 Becky was living
in Sheboygan. Her mother moved to Sheboygan that year. Becky married Harley Gersmehl in
1947, when she was 27 years old. The years that followed were filled with the joys and trials of
raising a family. In 1953 they moved into the house on 12th street, where Becky resided until
her death. Becky and Harley worked tirelessly to improve their home and garden,

Family was a priority for both Harley and Becky. The tradition of the Rupp Reunion revolved
around Grandma's (Bertha Rupp) birthday (July 21st) and usually took place at Evergreen Park
in Sheboygan. Rupp family members came from all over the United States to celebrate
Grandma's birthday and reconnect with the growing Rupp family. This tradition continued into
the twentieth century with the most recent reunion held in 2016. Between reunions Becky
maintained a lively correspondence with her siblings.

Becky pursued many interests and always had a creative project in progress. Her camera was a
constant companion for recording family events and creating artistic photos. Becky continued to
develop her considerable artistic talent. She worked in pencil, oils, acrylics and watercolors. She
experimented with many styles and mediums. We were always pleased to receive a painting or
drawing from her. Becky branched out into weaving which was another of her father's
occupations. Becky was a great gardener. In the early days she grew vegetables and
raspberries. Later she concentrated on the less demanding flowers.
During this time Becky worked at Prange's and later at Gene's Camera Shop.

Becky was an avid reader and worked with the Literacy Council to help adult non-readers learn
to read. Becky was also busy writing. She kept detailed journals going back twenty five years.
She recently began writing short stories.
Becky was not afraid of change. She was always redecorating, changing the garden or trying
something new. She loved traveling with Harley and later with her children.

Rebecca Rupp Gersmehl was preceded in death by her husband, Harley Gersmehl, and a
grandson, Scott Leslie, as well as her parents and six older siblings. She is survived by her
sister Lucille (Rupp) Hornbaker and her brother Daniel Rupp, her son George Gersmehl
(Debra), her daughters Eloise Rouse, Annette (Bill) McClellan and Ginny Fisher. Survivors also
include 9 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Friends and family may visit with the family on Saturday, August 27th, at the Ballhorn Chapels Funeral and Cremation Care Center (1201 N. 8th Street, Sheboygan) from 1:30 pm until 3:30 pm. Please visit www.ballhornchapels.com to sign the guestbook.