Philip Ruppe

Philip Edward Ruppe (; September 29, 1926 – August 1, 2026) was an American politician and businessman who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Michigan's 11th congressional district for six terms from 1967 to 1979. He ran unsuccessfully for the United States Senate in 1978 and 1982.

A member of the Republican Party, he was a Korean War veteran, having served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy. After leaving the U.S. House of Representatives, Ruppe became active in business before running unsuccessfully for the U.S. House once more to represent the 1st district.

Early life Philip Edward Ruppe was born in the small town of Laurium, Michigan, on September 29, 1926. He was of Slovak and Slovenian descent. Ruppe attended the V-12 Navy College Training Program at Central Michigan University and the University of Michigan from 1944 to 1946 and graduated from Yale University in 1948. His congressional campaign victory was attributed to the election of George W. Romney as governor.

During his congressional career, he was considered to be a moderate Republican. He also developed friendships with some of the congressional freshman he had been elected with such as George H. W. Bush of Texas, Robert Taft Jr. of Ohio, and Margaret Heckler of Massachusetts. Ruppe was subsequently re-elected five more times.

During his time in the U.S. House, Ruppe was noted for his bipartisanship. Ruppe was considering running for the United States Senate in 1978 following Robert P. Griffin's initial retirement announcement.

Republican Bob Davis from the town of St. Ignace, Michigan, won the 1978 election for his former House seat.

Later career After leaving Congress, Ruppe was an unsuccessful candidate for the U.S. Senate in 1982 against Donald Riegle.

After a decade out of politics, Ruppe sought to retake his old district, now renumbered as the 1st congressional district, in 1992. He lost to former Michigan House of Representatives member Bart Stupak.

Ruppe was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Rotary International. They had five daughters.

After Miller's death on August 6, 1996, he then married his second wife, Ann Hammond Boutell of Palm Beach, Florida, in 2000. Ann Boutell Ruppe died on December 25, 2022.

Ruppe died in Bethesda, Maryland, on August 1, 2026, at the age of 99.