He was born in Elkhart on May 28, 1952, the son of Edwin and Mary Ann (Pajor) Ripplinger Jr. He was married on July 22, 1989, in Three Rivers, Mich., to Dale J. Bender.

Steve graduated from White Pigeon High School in 1970 and Michigan State University in 1976 with a Master's degree. He taught at Central Montcalm High School the past 32 years where he coached basketball for five years and volleyball for two years, was yearbook advisor for 10 years and was student council advisor and senior class advisor. He also taught CCD classes at St. Charles Catholic Church, Greenville,for three years.

He enjoyed bicycling, camping and traveling with his fifth-wheel trailer. Most of all was his love for and being with his family; his wife, stepson and daughter-in-law and his two beautiful grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Dale, his favorite dog, Whitney, (our Baby), stepson Donald (Letty) Gloy II of Fort Mohave, Ariz., grandchildren; Arianna, age 12, and Donny, age 4, his parents, Edwin and Mary Ann Ripplinger of Union, Mich., his brothers Mark and Doris of Mottville, Mich., Don and Tracy of Fort Wayne, Robert and Linda of Bristol, and Pete Ripplinger of Grand Rapids Mich.; several nieces and nephews and his wife's family, Shirley Garrett of Tennessee, Evelyn Wolf of White Pigeon, Linda Bender of Sturgis, Mich., Susie McKibbin of Shipshewana and Betty Warner of Centreville, Mich.

His brothers David in 1959 and Kenneth in 1987 preceded him in death as did his sister, Linda Nienow, in 2006 and his grandparents.

Visitation will be held today from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Hurst Funeral Home in Greenville, Mich., with a Rosary prayer at 7 p.m. Condolences may be sent via www.hurstfuneralhome.com.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, , Bristol, with a parish Rosary prayed at 8 p.m. There will also be calling one hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church with burial to follow in Rice Cemetery, Elkhart.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Central Montcalm Public Schools for a scholarship for the Class of 2008 or to Heartland Hospice, 3230 Eagle Park Drive, No. 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.

Billings Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Messages of condolence may be sent via www.billingsfuneralhome.com.