Arthur J. Ripperda

Arthur J. Ripperda, age 91 of Sorento, Illinois, passed away at Greenville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Tuesday, October 8, 2019.

Mr. Ripperda was born on April 10, 1928, in Breese Township, a son of Henry and Cecilia Anna (nee Bock) Ripperda.  He married Veda Ward on September 24, 1952, and they had 5 children together - Arthur B. Ripperda of Colorado, Cynthia M. Trickey of Beckemeyer, Allen J. Ripperda and fiancé Pamela Moss of Duncan, Colorado, and Shelia F. Ripperda of Kingsland, Georgia.  He married Thelma Harris on June 30, 1973.  From that marriage he had 3 stepchildren - Larry Jenkins of Indiana, Judy Cook of Illinois, and Mike Bowers of Illinois.   Mr. Ripperda is also survived by several grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

He was preceded in death by his parents - Henry and Cecilia Ripperda; his wife – Thelma Ripperda; a daughter – Deborah K. Murphy; a sister – Bernice Kuhl; and his brothers – Louis Ripperda, Lawrence Ripperda, Valerius “Larry” Ripperda, Alfred Ripperda, and Paul Ripperda.

Mr. Ripperda served in the United States Army from 1952-1960.  His service in the Korean War earned him the Korean Service Ribbon, Bronze Service Star, United Nations Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.  After his service, Arthur worked at Hunter Meat Packing Plant until his retirement in 1982. 

Following his wishes, no services will be held.  His family suggests donations in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Donations will be accepted through Zieren Funeral Home in Carlyle.  

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