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Larry Tripke Obituary
Date of Birth: February 5, 1941
Date of Death: May 2, 2024
Larry Eugene Tripke (83) of Phoenix, Arizona was born to Grace Thompson and Melvin Tripke in Footville, Wisconsin. Larry was raised in nearby Janesville where he attended high school and excelled in track and field and wrestling. After a short stint, at the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater Larry joined the US Army stationed in Japan for 3 years engaged, primarily, in security and code interception and translation. Upon the completion of his military service, Larry completed his Bachelor in Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
After leaving the service, Larry met Annette Theresa Hoehne in Janesville, Wisconsin and they wed on September 3, 1966. Larry and Annette moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1971 with their newborn daughter Kerri. A year later their son Jon would be born in Phoenix, Arizona. Annette and Larry were married for 57 years at the time of his death.
In Phoenix, Larry worked in the financial services industry specializing in financial planning and insurance sales. Outside of his profession, Larry enjoyed playing softball, fishing, serving in various capacities at his church, Bible study, and making art. Often times he would use his art skills at church in the form of building or painting sets for Vacation Bible School or a Christmas pageant.
In retirement, Larry embraced his artistic side and began to explore wood carving. His passion for wood carving "took flight" after he observed Loons on a lake in Canada during a memorable fishing trip. He was intrigued by the majestic flight and the eerie call of the Loon and so he began to study them and create bird sculptures out of carved wood. In addition to birds, Larry enjoyed carving Christmas ornaments, nativity sets, and prayer crosses, which he generously gave away to those who requested them. Additionally, he found joy in drawing and painting, teaching art classes in his community. Towards the end of his life, Larry would create personalized drawings of cherished pets for others, using his artistic talents to bring happiness to those around him.
In addition to his passion for art, Larry was a devout Christian dedicated to knowing God through Bible study. He was also active in his home church.
Larry is survived by his wife Annette, his two children Kerri (daughter) and Jon (son) and his seven grandchildren. Kerri and Fred Garner currently reside in Phoenix, Arizona after living abroad in Nairobi, Kenya with their four children: Cheney, Ansley, Zeke, and Salu. Jon also lives in Phoenix with his three children: Ezra, Mikah, and Frida.
Larry is also survived by his siblings: Mike Ward, Kevin Ward, Jeanne Capelle, Cindy Kersten, and Kay Rohlman.
Larry Eugene Tripke will be remembered for his artistic talents, generosity, and the love and care he showed to his family and community. May he rest in peace.
A Celebration of Life service will be held in Larry's honor at Shiloh Community Church in Phoenix, Arizona on May 18, 2024 at 4:00pm. Shiloh Community Church is located at 19021 N. 32nd St Phoenix, Arizona 85050.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to one of the following organizations on Larry's behalf:
The Kenyan Bible Storying Project
https://give.serge.org/s/donate/a1eRb000000nQb5/19159-project
The Uweza Foundation
https://uwezakenya.org/
10 Entries
Ed Olson
May 24, 2024
I me Larry while we were both serving in the army, stationed in northern Japan, in the early 1960"s. We were both in the same roster rotation and seemed to connect right away. We stayed in touch for the rest of our lives and always enjoyed talking and reminiscing about our past military exploits. (Mostly exaggerated!) We had many shared interests, and it was any easy friendship. I will miss him as I'm sure do all his family and friends. Sincere condolences to Ann and all the extended family.
Ed Olson Scarborough, Maine
duane ackley
May 19, 2024
Two words come to mind when I think of Larry - "Rabbit Trails".
I was in Community Bible Study with Larry for many years. I learned that he loved Jesus, loved his wife Annette, loved and took great pride in his children and grandchildren, and he loved the Word of God.
When I was satisfied to answer a question with a simple verse, or maybe a thought borrowed from a commentary to make me look wise, Larry would always dig in. He would follow "rabbit trails" from one lead to another to another. He loved the Word and used it to understand God's plan better and understand God's love better. And he always shared what he found.
I have no doubt Larry is walking around with his Lord now saying, "where does that trail go, where's that one lead?" I will miss his insight, wisdom and humor.
Happy Trails Larry.
Beverly Ashcraft
May 17, 2024
Larry and Annette have been my neighbors for several years. Larry Would stop and talk to my husband and we both loved him.
Tori Moser Newman
May 16, 2024
Oh Dear Tripke family!! I am so sad to hear about Larry! I have so many lovely memories of growing up next door to the Tripke family. Larry was always so kind, he always had a smile. He was friendly and even though we were loud swimming in his pool- and constantly coming in and out of the house - he always would get a smirk in his face when he reminded us to close the door. Felt so lucky to have the Tripke family as neighbours and just have so many happy childhood memories!
When I moved to Sweden more then 10 years ago- he would once a year send me a message asking how I like it- how was the family- congratulating me on little things. Anette, Kerri, Jon and family- sending so much love and hope that you find the joy in all the stories and memories! He was one of the good ones!
All my love!
Tori Moser Newman
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Beverly Ashcraft
May 14, 2024
Larry was a good friend and kind to everyone. He would stop by and visit my husband.
U
May 9, 2024
The love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Mikah Lane TripkeHughes
May 8, 2024
Grandpa was always patient with me. Regardless of the artistic endeavor he would always make sure to answer my questions with care. I remember him to be a person who wouldn´t bat an eye at taking the time to do what was right, regardless of his own agenda.
Dr James Hoefer
May 8, 2024
Larry has been a kind and wise older brother to me, as well as a mentor. God has used his life to help shape mine. I remember many Church Council enening meetings, where his loving leadership helped us find fresh ways to serve. Most of all, I remember his character standards in the marketplace, when more than once he put Christ and honesty ahead of business as usual, often at serious financial sacrifice for himself, as I shared on my book on leadership. I am looking forward to the new heaven and earth more because of Larry's presence there. Pastor James Hoefer
Sarah Valente
May 7, 2024
I will always remember his excitement when meeting me and the way he graciously welcomed me to the family. He was smiling so big and I could see how delighted he was for his son finding happiness in love again.
I will always remember the first time he told me he loved me. I felt so special and accepted.
I will forever hold dear the art work he did for me and the wood carvings I have from him. What a talented artist.
I´m grateful to have known him and for having had the chance to tell him that I plan to love and care for his son as long as I live.
RIP Larry, you will be missed until we see each other again. Love, Sarah
Kelly Ross
May 7, 2024
One in particular, Uncle Larry and Aunt Annie surprised me for my Wedding!! Came from Arizona!
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