ELKHART — Dean L. Cripe, 90, passed away of natural causes, Sunday morning, Aug. 19, 2018, at Elkhart General Hospital, surrounded by love and family.

Dean was born Feb. 18, 1928, in Wakarusa, to the late Roscoe and Lois (Hooley) Cripe.

In addition to his parents, a son, Michael Dean Cripe, two brothers, Robert Cripe and Roscoe Cripe Jr., and a sister, Phyllis Risser, preceded him in death.

He married Sanita R. Fiorentino on June 2, 1951, at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church.

Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Sanita; four children, Deb (Tony) Kaehr, Diane (Tim) Krill, Jeff (Karen) Cripe and Stephanie (Tim) Yoder; five loving grandchildren, Marissa (Paul) Kerley, Ashley (Jason) Gardner, Chelsea (Matt) Dietz, Lindsey (Michael) Rangel and Christian Yoder; six great-grandchildren; and his sister, Donnabelle Martin.

Dean had a 44-year career at NIBCO, where he was the shipping and receiving supervisor. After retiring, he began his dream job as a greens keeper at the Christiana Creek Country Club (Elk's) for 20 years.

Dean was a life member of the Elkhart Elk's Lodge No. 425 and an avid golfer.

He was a member of the Elkhart Moose Lodge, enjoyed ice fishing and hardly ever missed a Saturday morning with the "Deli group" at Lucchese's.

He proudly served his country as a U.S. Navy veteran.

Dean L. Cripes life will be celebrated beginning with visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Elkhart.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 24, with an hour of visitation prior to the Mass at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 401 E. Vistula St., Bristol.

The Rev. Robert VanKempen will officiate.

Burial will follow in St. Vincent Cemetery, with military honors by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honor Guard and DAV Chapter 19.

Dean's family kindly request memorial donations to the church.

To share a condolence with the family, visit www.billingsgfuneral home.com.