Dolores Ripp

Dolores M. Ripp, age 92, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2020.  She was born on the family farm in Cross Plains, Wisconsin, on May 20, 1927, to Carl and Catherine (Hellenbrand) Buechner.  She married Jerome J. Ripp on August 31, 1948, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Martinsville.  She farmed with Jerome in the Westport/Waunakee area for many years.  Dolores and Jerome also owned and operated the Waunakee Airport until August, 2005.  They were members of the Wisconsin Flying Farmers, and Dolores was crowned Flying Farmer Queen in 1969. She also worked for Bennett’s Menswear and Piggly-Wiggly in Waunakee for several years.  Dolores enjoyed bowling, horseshoes and playing cards.  In 1985 she won a gold medal in bowling at the Badger State Games.

Dolores was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Waunakee where she taught religious education, volunteered as a Eucharistic minister, and embroidered baptismal gowns for many years.  She was also a member of the National Catholic Society of Foresters.  She volunteered at the Waunakee Manor and delivered Meals on Wheels in the Waunakee area.

Survivors include four children:  Jean (Larry) Karls, Ken (Sue) Ripp, Don (Jean) Ripp, and Sharon (Mitch) Bauer; 10 grandchildren, Renee (Brian) Adler, Rod (Kallina) Karls, Rachel (Alex) Peete, Brian (Chris Martyn) Ripp, David (Mary) Ripp, Randy (Molly) Ripp, Bob Ripp, Lisa (Kurt) Acker, Mandi (Nick Tringali) Lehnherr and Cody (Kenzie Veith) Bauer; 12 great-grandchildren, Megan (Scott) Glynn, Reese Adler, Abi and Matthew Ries, Mason and Dominic Peete, Lucy and Ben Ripp, Anna Ripp, Ashton and Camryn Krueger, and Preston Acker; and great-great-granddaughter, Sydney Glynn.  Dolores is also survived by two brothers, Charlie (Louise) Buechner and Andy Buechner, a sister, Rosie Johnson, a brother-in-law, Bill Plendl, many nieces and nephews, and Jerome’s family members.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son David, grandson Christopher, her brothers, sisters and in-laws, Florian and Edith Buechner, Sister Mary Buechner, Lorina “Blondie” Buechner, Tony and Elaine Buechner, Adella Buechner, Cyrilla and Gil Stephan, Betty Plendl, and Ken Johnson.

Due to concerns with the current COVID-19 situation, a private service and burial was held.  A celebration of Dolores’ life will be held in the future.

Memorials may be made in Dolores’ name to a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank Monsignor Jim Gunn and Harvey Winn for their kindness and support.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Q

Waunakee, WI