Dr. Karen Ann (Nieman) Rupp

Dr. Karen Ann (Nieman) Rupp, 42, of Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, formerly of Shelby County, passed away Sunday, April 14, 2024, at her home.  Lieutenant Colonel Karen A. Rupp is Chief of Aerospace Medicine at the 354^th Medical Group (MDG), 354^th Fighter Wing (FW), Eielson Air Force Base (AFB), Alaska.  Lt Col Rupp was charged with overseeing Aerospace Medicine Operations, Public Health, and Occupational Medicine at Eielson AFB.  Prior to her current assignment she was the Chief of Aerospace Medicine at Shaw AFB, South Carolina.

She was born February 20, 1982, in Greensburg, the daughter of Paul A. Nieman and Mary Jo (Mauer) Nieman.   On September 10, 2011, she married Joseph Abraham “Joe” Rupp, and he survives.

In addition to Joe, Karen is survived by her parents; daughters, Margaret Rose Rupp, Elizabeth Lucille Rupp and Mary Ruth Rupp, all of Alaska; sons, George Arthur Rupp and Thomas John Rupp, both of Alaska; sisters, Lynn Marie Roberts and husband, Nathan, of Greenwood and Megan Kathleen Nieman-Davis and husband, Jeremy, of Lafayette; brothers, John Paul Nieman and wife, Debbie, of St. Paul and Peter Joseph Nieman of Idaho Falls, Idaho; mother-in-law, Sharon Kay Rupp of Greensburg; brother-in-law, John Arthur Rupp and wife, Mary Elizabeth, of Columbus; sister-in-law, Nicole Lynn (Rupp) Johannigman and husband, William Carl, of Milhousen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, George Harold Rupp and brother-in-law, Timothy Scot Rupp.

Karen graduated from Waldron High School in 2000.  Lt Col Rupp received her commission in 2004 with a Health Professions Scholarship to study medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine.  She received her Doctor of Medicine in 2009 and completed a transitional internship at St Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois. She was awarded her flight surgeon wings in 2010 and served as a staff physician at Maxwell AFB, Alabama.   Lt Col Rupp then received her master’s in public health at Wright State University and completed residencies in Aerospace Medicine at USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio and Family Medicine at Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio.   

She was a member of Our Lady of the Skies Catholic Church in Alaska.  Karen, as well as, some of her children were baptized at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Shelbyville.

Karen was the SGP at Eielson Air Force Base and was double-board certified in family medicine and aerospace medicine.  She was a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Karen was an extremely knowledgeable and motivated Senior Flight Surgeon, she was willing to face the most difficult challenges with a smile.  From flying operational missions in diverse aircraft to taking care of patients, Karen was always there and ready to support.  She was an excellent educator and had trained three new flight surgeons this year.

She was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster and Air Force Commendation Medal.   Karen had also authored several medical publications.

Karen gave countless hours to the community.  She was a USA Girl Scout volunteer and co-leader.  She took scouts of all ages through patches, camping, science projects, and on excursions.

She was preparing to become a Squadron Commander in the summer of 2024.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm, Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. The rosary will be recited at 3:30 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 am, Friday, April 26, 2024, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 4218 E. Michigan Road, Shelbyville, with Father Mike Keucher officiating.                                 

Interment will be at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Online condolences may be shared with Karen’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.