Charles F. Ripp

Charles F. Ripp, age 76, of Elm Creek, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at his home surrounded by loved ones. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney. Chaplain Holden Barry will officiate and burial will be later. Visitation will be on Monday, January 15, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated later. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney are in charge of arrangements. Charles was born on February 10, 1947 in Kearney, NE to Emil H. and Mable R. (Bailey) Ripp. He attended Odessa Grade School and later attended Elm Creek High School, graduating with the class of 1965. His childhood included helping on the family farm. After high school he joined the United States Army and served in the 196th Infantry Division during Vietnam. His unit was known as the Charlie Tigers. He was eventually wounded and received two purple hearts and many other service medals. After the service, he met and later married Sharon K. Weliever on October 11, 1969 in Elm Creek, NE. Charles and Sharon were blessed with 2 wonderful sons, Charlie and Mike. He worked at Footes Service Station and also farmed for local hay mills for several years. He later worked in Kearney at Eaton’s. Charles was a member of the Purple Heart Organization and the American Legion. He marched in many parades while representing Vietnam Veterans. Charles was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing with his two boys and other family members. He also enjoyed raising exotic birds, horses, mini donkeys, fruit and nut trees and also woodworking. He looked forward to deer hunting every season with his brother Emil. He also enjoyed watching football with his wife and sisters and also playing pinochle. Charles is survived by his wife, Sharon of Elm Creek; sons, Charlie (Joyce) Ripp of Sumner and Mike Ripp of Elm Creek; sisters, Ione Crow of Bellevue, NE, Marian Broe of McHenry, IL; sister in law, Kathy Ripp of Cairo, NE; several nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, David Ripp and Emil Ripp; sister, Carol and Ed Meier; brothers in law, Ronald Broe and Richard Crow; mother and father in law, Clifford and Hazel Weliever.

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Charles F. Ripp

February 10, 1947 - January 10, 2024