Roger F. Ripp

Roger F. Ripp, age 90, of Waunakee was relieved of his pain and went to be with the Lord on May 15, 2023.

He was born on the family farm to a family of seven sons on September 8, 1932.  His parents, Math and Odelia (Meinholz) Ripp, instilled in him a work ethic that stayed with him all of his life.

He grew up in the Dane area and attended St. Michael’s Catholic School.

He loved the game of baseball and played for the Dane Home Talent Baseball Team.

After losing his fingers on his left hand due to a farm accident, his brother Donald fixed up a glove for him so he could continue to play.  He was one of the players who helped to get field lights at Bert Deans Park.  Many Sunday afternoons were spent teaching his sons and daughters the fundamentals’ of playing ball.

He married Helen Karls on May 12, 1953 and together they farmed until poor health forced him to give it up.

During the 1960’s he was a co-owner of the Dane Feed Co.

After retirement he spent time restoring old tractors and was delighted to get them to their original shape.  He took pride in driving them in parades.  He enjoyed playing cards with neighbors, friends and family.

He looked forward to the many large family gatherings and visits from grandkids and great-grandkids.  He had a nickname for everyone.  He never lost his sense of humor, not even in his last hours.

He is survived by his wife, Helen: eleven children Mary (Daryl Wipperfurth), Patrick (Cathy), Michael (Diane), Carol (Dan Chesemore), Lois Young, Jane (Gary Epping), Paul (Nadine), Mark (Mary), Roger (Michelle), Helen Joyce (Russ Endres) and Shirley (Mike Blackmore).

Roger and Helen have twenty-six grandchildren and forty great great-grandchildren.

He is further survived by his brothers, Virgil (Marietta), Matt (Mary) and sisters-in-law, Harriet Ripp and Marge Ripp.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers; Robert, Donald, Marcel, Norman, (sister-in-law Betty Ripp), two sons-in-law’s, a daughter-in-law and grandson.

A memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, 209 South Street, Waunakee WI.  Monsignor Gunn will officiate.  Per Roger’s wishes there will be no visitation or reception line at the church.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of his life at Rex’s Innkeeper, 301 North Century Avenue, Waunakee WI following the Mass.

A special thank you to Dr. Ranum and the staff at Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital.

In lieu of flowers the family will designate a memorial at a later date.

                                                  Winn-Cress Funeral Home 5785 Hwy Q Waunakee