Francis W. Ripperger, of Brookville, was born on October 13, 1936 in St. Peter’s, Indiana, the son of Frank and Frances Geis Ripperger. Francis was united in marriage to Wilma E. Flaspohler on November 8, 1958 at St. Mary’s of the Rock Church and she survives. He served his country with the United States Army, and later drove a truck for Pepsi for 37 years – retiring from there in 1999. Francis was a member of the FOE#1129, and was a lifetime member of St. Cecelia/St. Philomena Church. He enjoyed mowing, cutting firewood and renovating houses – his family remembers him as someone who just loved working, and working, and working. On Saturday, August 19, 2017, at the age of 80, Francis passed away at Brookville Healthcare.
Those surviving who will cherish Francis’ memory include his loving wife of over 58 years, Wilma E. Ripperger; children, Tim (Natalie) Ripperger of Brookville, Tina (Joe) Bischoff of Brookville, Andrew T. Joseph (Joe) of Oak Forest, and Richard (Rick Gonzalez) Ripperger of Brookville; 5 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; sisters, Janet Fuchs of Dover, and Marian Ratz of Brookville, and one brother, Charles (Margaret) Ripperger of Guilford. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Rita and 4 brothers, James, Melvin, Sylvester, and Michael.
Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at St. Cecelia/St. Philomena Church in Oak Forest from 9 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m. Burial, with full military honors provided by the Bernard Hurst Post #77 Brookville American Legion will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions are requested to St. Cecelia/St. Philomena Church, the Alzheimer’s Association or to Franklin County EMS. To sign the online guestbook or to leave a personal condolence, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Francis Ripperger.