Dennis Rippe

Dennis Rippe passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, at Tiffany Springs Rehab and Health Care Center, under the care of Monarch Hospice. He was surrounded by loved ones in his final days.

Dennis was born to Maynard and Eva Mae Rippe on February 14,1954, in Lincoln, NE. His early days were spent growing up on the farm outside Lincoln, moving to McPherson, KS, and then settling in Auburn, NE. In Auburn, he developed a love of sports, including baseball, basketball, and football, and met the love of his life, Debbie. He took great pride in pitching a perfect game as well as being a member of two Nebraska American Legion Baseball Championships, one as a player and one as a coach. Dennis graduated from Auburn High School in 1972. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and graduated with a business degree.

After college, Dennis began his career at Touche Ross followed by Judds Brothers Construction Company, both in Lincoln, NE. He continued working in the construction industry at Lueder Construction Company, Omaha, NE. Dennis then switched to the agriculture sector and served as a Vice President of Finance at Premium Standard Farms in Princeton and Kansas City, MO. He finished his career in Kansas City as CEO for DR Consulting and Chief Financial Officer at Bradken, Inc.

Dennis and Debbie married in 1975 and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Dennis was a wonderful, actively involved father to three children. He made many lifelong friends throughout the years through work, bowling league, and slow-pitch softball. Dennis loved to cheer on his beloved Huskers, as well as the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. He also enjoyed woodworking, golfing, and supporting his three grandchildren in their activities. Dennis was always up for an adventure, whether it be exploring his city, perfecting his “best ever” recipes, or hiking Fourteeners in Colorado. He and Debbie loved to travel - the highlight being a safari trip to Zimbabwe.

In the later years of his life, Dennis battled Frontotemporal Dementia. He would tell everyone he had the same disease as Bruce Willis. This horrible disease robbed him of the ability to freely move his body, to speak, and to experience the retirement he had dreamed of sharing with his wife. But this disease could not destroy his spirit or the essence of who he was. He never complained, continued to love and acknowledge his family, and made people smile and laugh. This disease brought him back to his Savior and he loved sharing his baptism picture from 2023 to everyone. He may no longer physically be with us, but his light will shine on through his family and friends.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Debbie; daughter and son-in-law Amy and Josh McClure of Kansas City, MO; sons Derek Rippe of Weston, CT and Ben Rippe of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Braeden (Riley) McClure, Melia McClure, and Isaiah McClure; sisters Beverly Jones, Faye (Larry) Darling, and Lisa Rippe; father-in-law Marv Gerdes; brothers-in-law Jeff (Debbie) Gerdes and Mike (Stephanie) Gerdes; sister-in-law Kimberly Gerdes; nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Maynard and Eva Mae Rippe; mother-in-law, Ruth Gerdes; and nephew, Ryan Darling.

The family suggests contributions can be made to Rock of KC Church, Auburn Public Schools Foundation, or Monarch Hospice and Palliative Care.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.