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A much-loved husband, father and grandfather, Frank Ripperger, 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Saturday Jan. 28, 2023, at his daughters home in Nevada. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 107 W. Howard St. in Creston. Father Patrick Amedaka will officiate. Burial will be in St. Edward’s Catholic Cemetery near Afton. Open visitation will be from 3-7 p.m., with family receiving friends from 5-7 p.m. and a 7 p.m. prayer service with a eulogy to follow, on Tuesday, Jan. 31, at Powers Funeral Home in Creston. Military Honors by the Creston V.F.W.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be given at www.powersfh.com.
Francis Henry Ripperger was born Aug. 16, 1931, the last of 12 children to Katherine Teresa (Frueh) and Michael Joseph Ripperger. He graduated from Afton High School in 1949. Frank served his country as part of the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1950-1953 in Alaska.
He met the love of his life, Frances Irene Andersen the day after returning home from his service. They were married Jan. 16, 1954. During their 69 years of marriage, Frank and Irene were blessed with three sons, two daughters, 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Frank and Irene traveled much, living in Afton, Creston, Red Oak, Des Moines and Texas over their years together. He was a hardworking man at his core. Frank worked for Burlington Truck Line from 1953-1975, followed by Pulley Freight, Associated Groceries of Des Moines, Ray Gasser, Southern Iowa Trolley and Downing Farms, finally retiring in 2020.
Frank was a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and Eagles Lodge, all of Creston.
Frank’s orneriness and sense of fun and humor will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.
Frank is survived by his wife Irene Ripperger of Creston; his two daughters, Pamela (Casey) Spicher of Nevada and Peggy (significant other Wayde Ross) Ripperger of Orient; two sons, Tony (Cathy) Ripperger of Red Oak and Monte Ripperger of Des Moines; 15 grandchildren: Dustin (Sara) Olsasky, Michael Ripperger, Dixie Ripperger, Clint (Erika) Ripperger, Ayrin (T.J.) Burns, Jennifer Barnes, Megan Austin, Alec Gabel, Trent (LeAnn) Eggman, Mandy (Miguel) Rangel-Schrank, Alex (Ashley) Spicher, Frankie (Nick) Kruger, Jeremy Dunahoo, August (Todd) Eddy, Sean (Danelle) Cooney and Mikki Cooney; 24 great-grandchildren; many nieces; nephews; cousins and extended family.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his son Randy Ripperger; two daughters-in-law, Liz Ripperger and Brenda Ripperger; six brothers and five sisters.