RICHARD J. RIPPERGER Indianola Richard John Ripperger 84, of Indianola passed away February 21, 2011. A mass of Christian burial will be held 10 a.m., Friday, February 25 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Indianola. Burial will follow in the St. Marys Cemetery at St Marys, Iowa. Dick was born June 15, 1926, the son of John and Mary Magdalena (Wachter) Ripperger in Rosemount, Iowa. He graduated from Indianola High School in 1944. Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps to serve his country. He married Sara Boothe February 1, 1948 in St Marys, Iowa. For a time they lived in Wenatchee, Washington where he worked at the Auvil Fruit Company for about 5 years. In 1953, they moved back to Indianola where Dick began working for King's Cleaners. Starting in 1959, he began his career at HyVee where he always provided one of those "Helpful Smiles " until his retirement in 1988. He helped train many young people at the store and made many friends throughout his years there. Dick loved all of God's creations-animals, the mountains, watching birds. Besides his family, country music and fishing in Canada were a must. For years Dick played his banjo at area dances and family potlucks. Every September for over 30 years he went to Canada fishing, always using the same grocery list and stopping at the same cafes on the way. When his sons were young he was a Boy Scout leader and spent countless hours teaching his boys to play baseball. And the girls never escaped his unique teaching style for their softball. Next with the grandchildren, he was at most baseball and softball games, piano recitals for the girls, band concerts, marching bands, and football games, always supportive and exhibiting tremendous pride in all their accomplishments. The Ripperger family always placed great emphasis on family gatherings. Talking, laughing, and catching up on news, new babies, and practical jokes were all part of the mix. Favorite topics of those times ranged from rehashed stories of Canada to bleacher accidents at baseball games. Dick is survived by his children: Sandra Black (Roger) of Atlantic, Gary Ripperger (Lynn) of Indianola, Michele Septer (Steve) of Indianola, Randy Ripperger (Deborah) of Winterset, Jaci Taylor (Jody) of New Virginia, plus 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Also, he is survived by one brother Bernard of Indianola, who accompanied him on the Honor Flight last August. He was preceded in death by his dear wife Sara, grandson Nathan and great granddaughter Tara; parents, John and Magdalena Ripperger; four brothers and two sisters, Edward, Edmund, Robert, Matthew, Bertha, and Ethel. Visitation will be held 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, February 24, at Overton Funeral Home with family present from 5:30 to 8 to greet friends. Vigil services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Mercy Hospice or Kiya Koda Animal Shelter.