Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:
Robert E. Rippa, 88, a resident of Mohawk passed away on Monday July 8, 2019 at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility in Hancock.
He was born on April 25, 1931 in Winona, a son of Yalmer and Evelynn Riippa.
On September 18, 1954 he married Patricia Hodges.
Robert was self-employed as a machinist in the Detroit area for many years. He relocated to the Upper Pennisula in 1970, where he owned and operated the Lac La Belle Resort until 1975. He served on the Lac La Belle Fire Department and was a Keweenaw County Commissioner for several terms. He was also on the Zoning Board of Review. In 1984, he started Rippa Products in which he operated until he retired in 1996.
He is preceded in in death by: his parents, Yalmer and Evelynn Riippa; his wife, Patricia; a brother, Marvin Riippa; and his daughter, Susan Rippa.
He is survived by: brother, Gerald Riippa of California; a daughter Lori (Terry) Reilly of Ahmeek; grandchildren- Donna (John) Karvonen of Allouez, Christopher (Tina) Johnson of Calumet, Stacy (Josh) Teddy of Ahmeek; 3 great-grandchildren- Trevor (Mandy) Silvola, Daylon Teddy, Josie Johnson; 2 great, great-grandchildren- Brooklyn and Ryder Silvola; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Friends may call at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet on Friday July 12, 2019 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday July 12, 2019 with Pastor Micah Cavaleri to officiate.
Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery in Ahmeek.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.
