Wally Ripplinger

Iyan Wakan has passed away. Wally returned to his creator just before midnight on September 5, 2024. Born September 29, 1949, to Mary and Christ Ripplinger in South Dakota, he was the second child of five children: David, Joyce, Charlie, and Kenny. Wally married Gerene in August 1969 in Waconia, MN. In 1970 they were gifted their first child, a daughter they named Heidi, and in 1971 they welcomed a son, Philip.

Through the years, he witnessed the birth of five grandchildren: Andrew, Wyatt, Lance, Mallary, and Bria. Wally was a doting grandfather and loved his grandchildren with fierceness and pride. Each grandchild held a special place in his heart, and he took great joy in watching them grow and discover their unique talents and interests.

Dad's passions were rock collecting, gardening, camping, sewing, baking, and celebrating at pow-wow. When I was little he taught me how to crochet and he narrated how to make his mom's kuchen (his favorite dessert) so often that it felt like he taught me how to make that too. His spirit radiated most brightly when he engaged with and shared his Lakota stories, beliefs, and history.

As he moved through life dad discovered a passion for peaceful protests to causes with which he was devoted. He steadfastly supported saving the sacred trees that were slated to be felled for the Hiawatha light rail line, putting up his lodge in the camp so others had a safe place to sleep, making food so everyone had something nourishing to eat, and camping there himself to help maintain an oppositional presence. He camped for weeks in the dead of winter in South Dakota to force the shutdown of the oil pipeline through native land, working tirelessly to amplify the voices around him.

In 2003, Wally served as president of the Jonathan Association, a community he called home for over 30 years.

In 2005, Wally, along with his friend John Varone, led initiatives with the Chaska Human Rights Commission to convince the Chaska City Council to protect sacred burial mounds located within Chaska Town Square and directly along the path of visitors attending the annual Taste of Chaska celebration. Their efforts paid off when the council voted 3-1 to secure the mounds during the event.

Dad loved public speaking and was an animated and passionate story teller. He used these talents to the fullest when volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America. He built lasting relationships and rich memories for himself, the troupe leaders, and most importantly, the scouts who, thanks to Wally's efforts and commitment, learned respect and valued understanding of the rich history, culture, and life of indigenous people.

Additionally, with the support of a committed group of friends and family, Wally established and hosted an annual traditional powwow every August at McKnight Park in Chaska. The Chaske Cikala Wacipi (Little Dance in Chaska) became the summer highlight. Dad's vision of honoring heritage, diversity, and community in a warm, enjoyable, and heartfelt environment was realized for eight remarkable summers, from 2005 to 2012.

As it often is in life, we can encounter struggles and difficulties. Dad was no exception. Like many of us, he faced his share of darkness but never lost sight of the magnificence of a summer sunset, the serenity of a quiet ripple on water, or the beauty of a dragonfly shedding its too-small body in search of a better, stronger existence. His stories, rich with humor and experience, painted pictures of the world in hues both bright and somber, teaching me to appreciate every shade. He will be missed.

As I navigate my own path, I carry his spirit within me. I am proud I am his, and grateful he is mine. Dad, I will hold in my heart what you taught me all my life, and what you and I lived at the end; vulnerability, true love, grace, forgiveness, and peace. I celebrate you. I will carry your legacy and your stories. Your grandchildren will take them up when I am gone, and on it will continue. We will see you with each new dawn.

Thechíhila.