April 1, 1929 - Sept. 1, 2009

UNION, Mich. -- Edwin W. "Rip" Ripplinger Jr., 80, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009, at 3:24 p.m. at his residence with his loving wife of 59 years at his side.

Edwin was born on April 1, 1929, in Chicago to the late Edwin W. and Clara (Wangler) Ripplinger Sr. On April 18, 1950, he married the former Mary Ann Pajor in Harvey, Ill. She survives along with their children, Mark (Doris) Ripplinger of White Pigeon, Robert Ripplinger of Bristol, Ind., Don (Tracy) Ripplinger of North Webster, Ind., and Peter Ripplinger of Lowell.

Surviving as well are his eight grandchildren, Julie (Nick) Garcia, Aaron, Michael, Leigh-Anne, Keith, Zach and Kayla Ripplinger and Jacob Cloud; his daughter-in-law, Dale Ripplinger; brothers, Jim (Sandy) Ripplinger and Chuck Ripplinger; and his sisters, Mary Ripplinger and Fran Szwick.

Edwin was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Nienow; sons, Stephen, Kenneth and David Ripplinger; grandson, David Ripplinger; great-granddaughter, Raina Garcia; and a brother, Irvin Ripplinger.

Edwin or "Rip" to his friends, retired in 1992 after 39 years of service with CTS, where he worked as a tool and die maker. Edwin was a longtime member of St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Bristol.

Please join with his family and friends as we celebrate the life of Edwin on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, where a parish rosary will be prayed starting at 6:45 p.m.

Friends may also call for two hours prior to the noon Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church Friday, Sept. 4, 2009 at 411 W. Vistula St., Bristol. The Rev. Robert (Bob) Van Kempen will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart.

Please direct any memorials to Southern Care Hospice Inc., 4341 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008 or to the church. To share a memory or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

His creativity, mechanical ability, quick wit and exceptional sense of humor will be greatly missed