Joseph Ripka

Joseph E. Ripka, age 74, of Melrose died on Monday, December 8, 2003 at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, December 11 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Vincent Lieser officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Sauk Centre with military honors provided by the Melrose Honor Guard.

Friends may call Wednesday from 4 to 9 pm and Thursday from 8 to 11 am at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Melrose Veterans will pray at 7 pm followed by parish prayers at 8 pm Wednesday at the funeral home.

Joseph Ripka was born on March 15, 1929 in Getty Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to John, Jr. and Veronica (Spaeth) Ripka. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was united in marriage to Madeline R. Stockman on August 8, 1955 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose. They lived in Melrose where he was employed by Kraft Foods for 44 years. Joseph was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Shanhaar-Otte VFW Post 7050. He had a green thumb, enjoyed watching sport events and going dancing.

He is survived by his children, Deb Meyer (Paul) of Grey Eagle, Danny Ripka (Patricia) of Minneapolis, Chuck Ripka (Kathi) of Big Lake, Russ Ripka (Lisa) of Rice, and June Spanier (Scott) of St. Cloud; sisters, Marion Froehle (Wally) of Brooklyn Park, Gladys Haugen (Roland) of Plymouth, Marge Schleppenbach (John) of Tracy and Tootsie Schumacher (Ron) of Sauk Rapids; sister-in-law, Alice Ripka of Holdingford; 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; and his dog, Toby.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Madeline R. Ripka on July 12, 1982; and brother, Ken Ripka.

Casket bearers will be Cody and Adam Meyer, Tanner, Taylor, Rachel and Amber Ripka. Cross bearer will be Maddie Spanieer. Scripture bearer will be Paula Ripka.