Gary Ripka

Gary Ripka, age 61, of Melrose, died Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at the St. Benedict's Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota following a long courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Following Gary's wish, a Family Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Patton-Schad Funeral Home with burial to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Melrose at a later time.

Gary Conrad Ripka was born February 2, 1955 in Melrose to Kenneth and Alice (Voss) Ripka. He graduated from Melrose High School in 1974 and began working in the area and made his home in New Munich. He was an avid Minnesota Viking and Minnesota Twins spectator as well as the Melrose Dutchmen. Gary loved all animals and was always willing to take in a stray that needed a home. Rolling Dice and playing Penny Annie were family games that he enjoyed. He was a whiz at adding the dice and had his score as soon as they hit the table. A favorite classic TV show that Gary watched was "The Andy Griffith Show." Listening to classic vinyl rock and roll to jazz brought him great joy. Gary had a gentle soul and heart of gold. He will truly be missed.

A special thank you to Dr. Elkadi and her staff at the Coborn Cancer Center for their love and compassion as they cared for Gary.

Survivors include his mother, Alice Ripka of Avon; brothers and sisters, Robert (Dar) Ripka of Rice, Cheryl (Dan) Meyer of St. Cloud, Joan Terwey of St. Cloud, and Glen (Cristy) Ripka of Grey Eagle; many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Ripka; brother, Thomas "Jake" Ripka; nephew, Elijah Ripka; and grandparents.