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As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home:
UPDATE: Burial will be in the Skanee Cemetery on Friday, June 23rd at 1 p.m. with military honors by the Baraga County Area Veterans followed by committal prayers by Fr. Corey Litzner.
Harold Leo Ripple, age 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at Baraga County Memorial Hospital in L’Anse, MI.
He was born December 28th, 1934, the youngest of eight children of Mary Markus and Aleck Ripple in Plummer, MN. Harold spent most of his childhood in Minnesota and then moved to Washington State with his family. He completed his undergraduate studies at Gonzaga University and then earned his medical degree at Marquette Medical School in Milwaukee, WI. Harold married Arlene Graap on June 6th, 1960, in Milwaukee, WI. He then served three years in the Navy at Camp Pendleton, CA and then Great Lakes Naval Base, IL. He practiced medicine for over 25 years in Milwaukee, WI where he and Arlene raised their six kids. Later in his career and after retirement, Harold traveled to Honduras and then Africa doing medical mission work. This was a labor of love for Harold and one of the most meaningful parts of his work.
After retiring from medicine, he and Arlene embarked on a new adventure in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan buying The Aurora Borealis Resort, where they enjoyed hosting many visitors in their cabins over 30 years. Here in the Skanee/L’Anse/Baraga area they have made close, lifelong friendships. Harold enjoyed serving the community in several capacities including the Arvon Township School Board and Baraga County Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees. A highlight for him was his contribution to the establishment of Ripple Recovery House. In this work, he joined others who are passionate about the mission to help people in recovery from substance use.
Perhaps his greatest accomplishment was his commitment and devotion to his family and friends. His legacy is one of service, love, and dedication.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Arlene, his children Jeff (Mike), Todd (Sharlene), Greg (Holly), Paul (Marianna), Amy (Charles) Petersen, and Katy (Daniel) Christensen. He is also survived by his cherished sister, Helen, and his grandchildren Nicholas and Alexandria Petersen, Remy and Celia Ripple, Grace and Hazel Christensen, his step-grandchildren Christine, Kenny and Mary Gilbert and Michael and McKenzie Dennis as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was also the most doting great grandfather to the newest addition, Lincoln Petersen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Aleck and his siblings Juanita, Jack (Patricia), Virginia (William) Hudson, Mary Ann, Lila, and Gordon (Doris).
A funeral mass will be held on Monday, April 10th at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 16 6th Street, Lanse, MI 49946, with Fr. Corey Litzner officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will follow the mass in the church hall. Burial will be in the spring in the Skanee Cemetery. Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Ripple Recovery House, Great Lakes Recovery, Attn: Laura Guichin, 94 South 4th Street, Ishpeming, MI 49849.
Friends may sign Harold’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfunerahome.com.
