LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen released a statement on the passing of former state senator and friend Lee Rupp. Rupp, who was born near Monroe, died Sept. 20 in Columbus. Following a career with Nebraska Game and Parks, he ran for and won the seat representing District 22. His term began in 1982. Rupp left the Legislature in 1989, becoming the director of government relations for the University of Nebraska.