Ervin “Erv” J. Ripp, 95, passed away Friday, October 13, 2023, peacefully at a local hospital with family by his side. Erv was born August 10, 1928, In New Franken, to the late Kilian and Laura (Bourguignon) Ripp. He attended New Franken Grade School and graduated from Luxemburg High School in 1948.
After graduation, Erv started working at the Wisconsin State Reformatory, but was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and served his country for two years. When discharged, Erv returned to work at the reformatory for a year and then accepted a job offer at the Brown County Veterans Service Office as assistant service officer. Twenty years later he started employment at First Northern Bank and retired from there as manager of the University Avenue branch.
On September 26, 1953, Erv married the love of his life, Marion Rentmeester at Holy Martyrs of Gorcum Catholic Church.
Starting in the mid 50’s, Erv began providing guardianship services for veterans. Erv enjoyed this work and remained an active guardian into his 90’s. Over the years he served scores of long-term clients and was once Brown County Volunteer of the Year. Erv enjoyed volunteer work, gardening, fishing, camping, and traveling. His travels with Marion included visits to Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and numerous trips to Hawaii and Alaska.
He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Marion; three children, Patricia (Eric) Tollefson, Dr. Daniel (Patty) Ripp and Frederick (Mary) Ripp; eight grandchildren, Angela Wells, Kathryn Nouri, Dr. Christine Ripp, Kelly Ripp, Carly Ripp, Jacob Ripp, Anna Ripp and Laura Ripp; three great grandchildren, Evan Wells, Alex Wells and Eliza Mercier and sister-in-law, Pat Roy-Rentmeester; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three children, Laura, Steven and James; two brothers, Norbert (Verna) Ripp and Edward (Betty) Ripp; two sisters, Claire (Richard) Duquaine and Leona Ripp; brothers and sisters-in-law, Arnold (Bernice) Rentmeester, Richard Duqaine, Harold (Irma) DeGrand, Milton (Arletta) Rentmeester, Reynold (Shirley) Rentmeester, and Eugene (Mercedes) Rentmeester.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St., from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Parish wake service 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 2040 Hillside Lane from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Funeral Mass 11:30 a.m. Friday at the church with Rev. Adam Bradley officiating. Full military honors will follow. Burial will take place in the Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com. A memorial will be established in honor of Erv.
The family extends their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Erv’s nephew, Jeff Rentmeester and Special Friends, Joe and Molly Schiebel for their companionship and care.
Joshua Ferguson is serving the family.