Louis Rippe, a son of George Rippe and wife Caroline, nee Piepenbring, was born October 16, 1861, at Beecher, Will County, Illinois. He passed away at the General Hospital in Geneva, Neb., September 23, 1937, at 4 o'clock a.m., reaching the age of 75 years, 11 months and 11 days.

The deceased was baptized shortly after his birth. After the instruction in the faith of his parents, he was confirmed at the age of fourteen. In December, 1873, he came with his father to Fillmore County, Nebraska, where he lived till the end.

March 6, 1884, he was united in holy marriage with Miss Minnie Sieckmann. This union was blessed with six sons and six daughters, of whom one son and two daughters have gone to their reward.

The deceased lived with his family on a farm west of the South Lutheran Church until November, 1919, when they moved to Geneva. There his wife was called from his side March 28, 1933.

Mr. Rippe's health had not been good lately. He tried his best for recovery, but in vain. In March 1936, he returned to his home place, where his son Herman and wife with his daughters who live in this county, took care of him with other help. In the last months, Mrs. Herman Rippe and daughter, Bernice cared for the deceased. It was only in the last two weeks he had taken to his bed, having rallied from several previous attacks.

Last Wednesday he had a desire to sit up. His wish was granted and most of the day was spent thus, with a rest in the afternoon. His condition by night grew worse, and around midnight, September 22, he was taken to the General hospital at Geneva, where he passed away Friday, September 23, 1937, about four hours after his arrival.

To mourn his departure are five sons, George, Herman, Frederick, Harry and Erwin; four daughters, Mrs. Mary Blanke, Mrs. Clara Matejka, Mrs. Louise Dittmer and Mrs. Amelia Dittmer; fourteen grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Mary Sieckmann of Ohiowa, bbesides many other relatives and friends.

Mr. Rippe was one of the charter members of the South Lutheran congregation. He helped all he could to keep up the church. Being very industrious and economical, he and his wife were able to receive the blessings of God with earthly goods. Both were faithful members of the church.

The funeral occurred Saturday September 25, with services held from the Herman Rippe home and the South Lutheran Church. The officiating pastor was Rev. William Harder. The funeral was largely attended the four sons and two sons-in-law, Edward and Fred Dittmer, were casketbearers. Three granddaughters in charge of the flowers were Bernice Rippe, Elaine Dittmer and Elaine Rippe.

Interment was in the church cemetery.

The Nebraska Signal Oct. 1937

Contributor: M. Jensen Seggerman - [email protected], 6/26/2018.