Louis Edward Rumpf
Obituary

Louis E. Rumpf was born on Long Island, New York, and passed away on December 15, 2025, in Corona, California, after living with PSP Plus Parkinsonian Disorder for the last four years of his life.

Lou’s life was guided by three enduring passions: music, surfing, and his Volkswagen cars. From a young age, music shaped who he was. He learned to read music as a child while attending elementary school in North Carolina. By the age of 12, Louis, the youngest of the group, formed a band with his brother Russell and two friends, quickly building a strong reputation as musicians in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, where he lived with his mother Elizabeth and his maternal grandfather.

At age 16, Louis moved permanently to Santa Monica, California, to live with his father Russell and stepmother Babette. He graduated from Santa Monica High School, where he participated in the school band and played the trumpet. During this time, he attended Malibu Presbyterian Church with his father and Babette, where he accepted the Lord as his Savior and became a professing Christian. The church played an important role in his personal and professional development. Lou became deeply involved in youth activities, including music and surfing events, and later served as Assistant Youth Pastor. In 1979, he enrolled at Fuller Theological Seminary with the initial goal of becoming a pastor.

Louis’ path shifted when he moved to San Diego to care for his ill father. There, he enrolled at San Diego State University and earned a master’s degree in Media and Communications. His academic career flourished as he taught at Coleman College and later at the University of Phoenix, where he was named Staff of the Year. In 2001, Lou joined National University, where he served as Director and Professor of the School of Media and Communications for the remainder of his career. While at National University, he completed his post graduate studies and earned a Doctorate in Media and Communication.

Lou’s passion for teaching was evident in the care and mentorship he offered his students. Outside the classroom, he continued surfing throughout his life, especially in Pacific Beach and Bird Rock. Music remained central to who he was. He composed musical pieces with friends Luis Liederman and Gustavo Cuevas and played trumpet with the Moonlight Serenade Orchestra for many years. His creativity extended beyond music into building guitars from scratch and restoring his beloved Volkswagens.

Later in life, Lou met Sally, and they were married in San Diego in 2009. Although he did not have children of his own, Sally’s daughter Samantha became very dear to him. When Samantha married Bradley Lenzner and had children, Elijah, Aubrielle, and Bella, Louis embraced them fully as his grandchildren. They lovingly called him Tata.

At home in San Diego, Lou cherished playing music with the grandchildren. Elijah played the electric mandolin, Tata played the guitar, Aubrielle played the piano, and Bella played the drums, creating a joyful family band. He also loved teaching the children how to stand and paddle on a surfboard in the pool.

Lou would want to be remembered as someone with a kind and caring spirit, who loved to play music and ride waves in Pacific Beach.

Louis is survived by his wife Sally; his grandchildren Elijah, Aubrielle, and Bella; Samantha and Bradley; and their parents.

He was preceded in death by his father Russell Rumpf, his mother Elizabeth, and his brother Russ.

Plans are being made to spread Louis’ ashes in Newport Beach. A service will be conducted by Bradley, his son in law and a pastor.

Louis’ gentle spirit, creativity, and love for music, waves, and teaching will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.