Obituaries : Donald A. \'Don\' Rippel

Don Rippel

MT. AUBURN – Donald A. “Don” Rippel, 85, of La Porte City, formerly of Mt. Auburn, died Sunday, December 11, 2011, at La Porte City Nursing and Rehab.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 15, 2011, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton with Rev. David Gates officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 14, also at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Mt. Auburn Cemetery with military rites performed by Emil H. Dutler American Legion Post 177 of Mt. Auburn and Iowa Military Funeral Honors of Cedar Rapids.

Don was born August 5, 1926, on the family farm near Mt. Auburn, the son of August and Bena Rippel. He graduated from Mt. Auburn High School in 1945 but missed his graduation because he was drafted into the United States Army and left for WWII two weeks before the graduation ceremony.

On July 9, 1961, Don was united in marriage with Geraldine “Jeri” Wiles Henry in Mt. Auburn. The couple farmed the land he was born on in Mt. Auburn. Don lived there until moving to La Porte City in 2004 due to health reasons.

Don was a member of the Emil H. Dutler American Legion Post 177 in Mt. Auburn for over 60 years. He served as Commander and also held many offices in the Post.

Don enjoyed woodworking, making lawn ornaments and giving his grandchildren rides on his John Deere 60 tractor.

Don is survived by his wife of 50 years, Geraldine “Jeri” Rippel of La Porte City; two sons: Arthur (Rose) Henry of Sun City, AZ, and Rick Henry of Mt. Auburn; two daughters: Denise Williams of Marshalltown and Judy Henry of Cedar Rapids; one brother, Roy (Florence) Rippel of Vinton; 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and five sisters.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family or to the Mt. Auburn American Legion.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Don and his family. You may leave condolences at www.vsrfh.com.