Donald Ripplinger

Donald J. Ripplinger, 78, Mandan, passed away unexpectedly March 25, 2019, at Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minn.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 30, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Mandan, with the Rev. Nick Schneider celebrating. Burial will be at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home, Mandan, with a parish rosary/vigil at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Donald was born Nov. 7, 1940, the second of five children, to Alex and Rofena (Miller) Ripplinger of Flasher. He graduated from Flasher High School in 1959 and then worked for Foremost Dairies. Don met Josephine Berger in Mandan and they were married in October 1961. They began a beautiful 57-year journey and had three children. Don owned Seven Seas Standard and drove bus for Mandan School District for 25 years. He recently retired from Halo Branded Solutions. Don enjoyed his time spent hunting, fishing, playing cards, watching birds and going for coffee. He also cherished quality time spent with his grandchildren who were always near and dear to his heart.

Don is survived by his wife, Josephine, Mandan; three children, Kim (Scott) Zachmeier, Mandan, Kent (Kelly) Ripplinger, Hudson, Wis., and Kaye Ripplinger, Mandan; eight grandchildren, Kyle (Heather) Zachmeier, Kristie (Garrett) Kirchmeier, Austin and Lexi Vogel, Alex Ripplinger, Gregory Fencik, and Jessica and Kaden Dragun; a great-grandchild due July 2019; his siblings, Loretta (Steven) Riehl, Bismarck, and Ervin (Janet) Ripplinger, Flasher; sister-in-law; Marilyn Ripplinger, Bismarck; numerous nieces and nephews; and a dear friend, Arlo Unterseher.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Rofena Ripplinger; and his brothers, Alvin and Clarence.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ the King Catholic School or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.