Gerald "Jerry" Ripperda

Larchwood, IA Gerald Jerry Ripperda, age 70 of Larchwood, IA died Thursday, December 20, 2007, surrounded by his family at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at The Church of St. Mary in Larchwood, IA with Fr. Jeff Schleisman, celebrating. Burial will follow in the Larchwood Cemetery at Larchwood, IA. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 " 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6:00 " 8:00 p.m. at The Church of St. Mary with a parish wake service at 7:00 p.m. Gerald Jerry Ripperda was born April 25, 1937 on the family farm southeast of Larchwood, the son of Irenaeus and Gertrude (Daniels) Ripperda. Jerry graduated from St. Marys Catholic School in 1955. He was united in marriage to Theresa Roemen on March 2, 1957, and to this union they were blessed with nine children. Jerry farmed on the family farm with his brother, Don for over 30 years. He was then a rural mail carrier, which he truly enjoyed. Jerry was a life long member of St. Marys Catholic Church. He enjoyed playing slow pitch softball, golf and basketball. He also enjoyed going on vacations with his friends and family, and going to his childrens and grandchildrens activities. He always tried wowing his grandchildren with his magic tricks. Jerrys routine included solving the worlds problems with his daily coffee group. He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Theresa of Larchwood; their children, Deb (Rex) David of Larchwood; Donna (Bill) Doherty of Inwood; Annie (Scott) Kruse; Caroline (Scott) Kerkvliet; Laura (Randy) Simons; Suzie (Tim) Viereck; Mary (Terry) Viereck and Jay (Amy) Ripperda all of Larchwood; along with twenty-nine grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren; brothers, Don (Janet) Ripperda of Larchwood; John (Judy) Ripperda of LeMars, IA; Ray (Linda) Ripperda and Mark (Deb) Ripperda, both of Larchwood; sister, Rosemary (Don) Bruggeman of Larchwood and sister-in-law Marlene Doherty of Larchwood. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Irenaeus and Gertrude; infant son, Thomas and brother, Paul.