"Our deepest sympathies to the Ripp family. We had the pleasure of knowing Al through his time at TDS and MOM. Such a great guy! Words fail to express what a powerful force for good this man was in his community. Rest in Peace Al. -Leah and Patrick Downey"
In loving memory of
Alvin "Al" Ripp
Middleton: Middleton: Alvin A. "Al" Ripp, age 59, passed away on Wed., June 14, 2017 at a Madison Hospital. He was born on Sept. 5, 1957 to Peter and Marcella (Dahmen) Ripp. Al grew up on the family dairy farm and was a lifelong resident of Middleton. He married Sharon "Shari" Greiber on June 28, 1980 at St. John's Catholic Church in Waunakee. He retired from TDS in 2013 after 37 years of employment and became Executive Director at Middleton Outreach Ministry (MOM).
Al was a family man and loved spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed nature, fishing, playing cards, golfing, woodworking and collecting antique telephones. He loved and supported his community.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Shari; his children, Dale (Katy) Ripp, Kim (John) Phalin and Amy (Chris) Mueller; his grandchildren Miles and Madeline Ripp, and Kylee and Anessa Phalin. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters; Donna (Del) Breunig, Harry (Ann) Ripp, Evie Schuetz, Rita (Dan ) Endres, Leo (Becky) Ripp, Gary (Shirley) Ripp, Vic (Nancy) Ripp, Dennis (Patty) Ripp and Mary (Mark) Ripp. Al was preceded in death by his parents and a Godson, Peter A. Ripp.
Funeral services will be held on Tues., June 20, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peters Catholic Church, 7121 County Trunk K, Middleton /Ashton. Rev. Tait Schroeder will officiate. Friends may call at the church on Monday June 19, 2017 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friends may also call at the church on Tues. from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family will determine a memorial at a later date.
Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q
Waunakee, WI
(608) 849-4513
Tributes
"I will be forever grateful that I was able to share a small portion of my life with Al. Be it volunteering together at Middleton Chamber of Commerce, and Middleton Outreach Ministry, or as his client during his term at the helm of TDS in Middleton, he made it fun, while positively impacting everyone he encountered. He was a force, and his energy and influence will be missed by all who knew him: and by many who did not! Rest in peace my friend: it's been an honor."
"He was such a good, good man. I miss him"
"I send my deep sympathy to Al's family and to everyone in the MOM organization. He was a kind, generous, caring leader and will be missed by so many in the greater Madison community. I will miss seeing Al at our weekly Rotary meetings. May he rest in peace. -Donna Beestman "
"Al naturally was a leader of the community by his actions. He cared with a compassionate and loving heart for his family, church and community. He also lived his faith as a Christian in a very humble manner. I greatly enjoyed working with Al through United Way Day of Caring (he always made sure each child received a fishing pole with his own personal funds if necessary) and of course to MOM where he brought his brand of servant leadership and stability. Al and I had planned to get together for lunch soon, and I wish I could have had that moment of conversation just one more time. Al was a cherished friend to me, and I am truly blessed to have known him. Our community is diminished by the loss of his life far too soon, but we are exponentially better for having experienced his warm, caring friendship and smile. Mike Davis"
"Thank you Al for all you did for me and my Family at MOM. The services you gave us got us back on our feet after job loss and medical issues. We will never forget you and the times you talked to me to see how we were doing. Our sincere sympathy to your family that loved you so much."
"I knew Al through our work together on the United Way Middleton Days of Caring for many many years. He was a thoughtful, caring, funny and overall wonderful man who touched the lives of many. He is already missed but his impact on others and on our community lives on."
"The MOM Staff, Board and Volunteers have lost a great leader. The community has lost a faithful friend and servant of the hungry, the homeless and those in need; but we have not lost his legacy which we will continue to build in his honor as he would have wanted. There was nothing Al loved more than MOM and the Middleton/Cross Plains community except his beautiful family. I extend my greatest sympathies to you Shari, and to you Dale, Kim, Amy and your families. What light you all brought to his life. It was a privilege to serve alongside you Al - Godspeed. "
"My sympathies to the Ripp Family and to the MOM team. Al embodied the principles of honor, truth, dignity and responsibility. Few have walked this earth that were as loving, kind, smart and caring as Al."
"We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincerely sympathy. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. John and Rose Boehnen"
"Always a smile--Al's passion for MOM was contagious and never-ending. Will miss him..."
"Al was as kind and compassionate a person as there ever was. Thank you for sharing him with the greater Middleton community. "
"Deepest sympathies for your loss. I knew Al through his work at MOM, he was a committed, passionate advocate who lived his faith. Many of us will miss his witness for those in our community who are struggling to survive and thrive. "
"Al was a great person who loved to provide assistance to the Middleton community. He did that through MOM and the Optimist Club. Ron Berman"
"Al was a very special person and a very special friend. Am so honored to have met him over 4 years ago. He was the heart and soul of MOM. He'll be greatly missed. Pistol Pete"
"From the moment I met Al I was inspired to be a better person. His passion and empathy touched so many of us that I'm sure his legacy will be continued long into the future."
"I am pretty sure that Al was the person for whom the term "salt of the earth" was invented. Godspeed my friend!"
"Al was truly one of the good guys, the heart of our community. He will be missed but his legacy will carry on through the works of those who lives were impacted by his compassion and spirit of giving."
"Shari and kids, sorrow in my heart for Al's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. He made a positive impact on this world. So sorry for your loss."
"So very sorry for your loss, Al will be missed- he's a very special man. Lucie and Norm"