Gary Lee Ripperger

Gary Lee Ripperger, 87, of Burlington died Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Born Nov. 7, 1937, in Melrose, he was the son of Osmond and Marie Callahan Ripperger.

Gary had a very strong sense of right and wrong. He spent the majority of his life serving his country; first in the Army where he was stationed in Korea from 1956 until 1959, and later as a Police Officer.

He spent time working as a truck driver and at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. Gary was very outgoing.

He enjoyed talking to everyone and never met a stranger. It seemed that everyone loved him. He cherished his family and spent as much time with them as he could.

Gary will be missed deeply but his spirit and memory will carry on through all who love him.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Grace; children, Mark (Kelly) Ripperger, Ronnie Ripperger, Lynn Hartsock, and Lonnie (Sandy Elmore) Hartsock; grandchildren, Kaci (Dee) Watson, Nathan Ripperger, Hunter Hartsock, Emily Hartsock, Shelby (Ryan Healy) Hartsock, and Tanner (Jerusha Rice) Hartsock; great-grandchildren, Kayla Watson, Derrek Watson, Monne Watson, Kiley Ripperger, Cohen Touch, Sophie Ripperger, Caleb Ripperger, and Tyler Ripperger; sisters, Marti (Bob) Hawkins, Sally See, and Mary Jane (Roy) Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Michael and Bill; and grandson, Tyler Ripperger.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

No services are scheduled at this time.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gary's memory are suggested to the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Gary's obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.