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John Albert “Jack” Kruppenbach, 86, of New Holland, PA “charged ahead” into Heaven on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at home with devoted caregivers and his beloved four-legged companion “Misty” at his side. He died from advanced congestive heart failure brought on by treatment for cancer in 2007. He was the husband of the late Elizabeth Anne “Bebe” Kruppenbach who died in 2012, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage. Born in Allentown, PA, he was the son of the late Harry and Mabel (Barrett) Kruppenbach. Jack was a member of Harmony United Methodist Church, Morgantown, where he sang in the senior choir and served as church Treasurer.

After discharge from the United States Army, Jack received a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from New Mexico Tech in 1951. He later attended graduate school at Thunderbird School of Global Management. During his career he worked for Continental Geophysical Company; Geophysical Service, Inc.; Trojan Powder Company; and Digicon Geophysical Company. In 1974, he cofounded the Dallas-based geophysical consulting firm: Energy Analysts, Inc. He remained with Energy Analysts when it was purchased by Landmark Graphics, Inc. in 1987.

Jack spent 40 years roaming the globe as a geophysical team scientist and project manager, planning and supervising seismic data gathering operations in the Arctic Ocean, Yukon and Amazon Rivers, Sub-Saharan Africa, China, Central America, and Australia. He was very proud of his membership in “several” airline million-mile clubs! His work resulted in patents pertaining to seismic explosive formulations and seismology (including the original “Land Streamer” technology for arctic/desert work), and papers and publications addressing remote-area data acquisition, logistics, boat design, and inflatable technology.

He was a member of many professional associations, including the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), where he served as Secretary-Treasurer from 1999-2000. Jack worked diligently to make financial and operating information transparent to the SEG membership, focusing on ways to eliminate waste and redundancy. In addition to his work in geophysics, Jack cofounded the Riverside National Bank in Grand Prairie, TX.

Jack and Bebe were active supporters of New Mexico Tech throughout their lives, and established the Kruppenbach-Harrison Scholarship Fund in memory of their parents to help struggling students. Jack received the New Mexico Tech President's Club Alumni Award in 2008.

He enjoyed gardening, traveling, reading, cooking, and conversing on any subject. His front porch was the neighborhood salon, and many lively conversations were conducted with neighbors in the evenings. Jack believed in and followed “The Rhino Principle” throughout his life: Charge Ahead!

Jack is survived by his daughters, Susan Elizabeth Kruppenbach, married to Jeffrey Miller, of Leola, Rebecca Catherine, married to Dr. James Bryan, of Amarillo, TX, and Polly Anne, married to Robert Cameron Reagor, of Frisco, TX; six grandchildren, Kimberly Miller, Robin and Benjamin Bryan, and Jack, William and Paige Reagor; two brothers, Harry Kruppenbach of Laurinburg, NC and Robert Kruppenbach of Gap; and one sister, Jane Ramsey of Wichita, KS.

His memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 12th, at 11:00 a.m. at the Harmony U.M. Church, 740 Harmony Road, Route 10 North, Morgantown, PA with the Rev. Larry Frank officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. A luncheon will follow. Family and friends will be received at the church, starting at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Harmony U.M. Church, P.O. Box 141, Morgantown, PA 19543. The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences and remembrances may be posted on their website: www.groffeckenroth.com.

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