Donald R.W. Ripka

KEWANEE - Donald R.W. Ripka, 72, of Kewanee, died at 12:55 p.m., Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at his home.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, June 25 at Pleasant View Cemetery. Rev. Bob Sherman will officiate. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee, is in charge of arrangements.

He was born October 7, 1943 in Kewanee, the son of Donald W. and Minola Naomi (Lee) Ripka. He is survived by two daughters, Victoria (Tracey) Rosebeck and Catherine “Catie” (Doug) VanDaele, both of Kewanee, nine grandchildren, Trevor Girkin, Caitlynn Girkin, Thomas Pollard, Joseph Pollard, Breanne Rosebeck, Kiersten Howard, Karlie  Rosebeck, Bree VanDaele and Payton Seibel, one great grandson, Thomas Lee Pollard Jr. and one on the way, a brother Ken Ripka and a sister, Connie Ripka, both  of Kewanee. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Don attended Kewanee Schools. He had worked at Kewanee Boiler as a welder. He enjoyed old westerns and records and he enjoyed fishing, hunting, welding, motorcycle riding and collecting guns.

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