Gene Martin "Grandpa Gene" Rippe

Gene Martin Rippe passed away peacefully in the early hours of February 6, 2026, at his home in South Jordan surrounded by his family. He was 80 years old.

Gene was born on May 24, 1945, in Rapid City, South Dakota to Martin Rippe and Ida Christian. He grew up in Rapid City, with a passion for music, playing percussion in the school band before graduating from Rapid City High School on May 28, 1963.

After attending business school, Gene began a lifelong career at Peter Kiewit & Sons Construction in 1965. While working in New Mexico, he met a waitress named Carol Schock at a restaurant called The Oasis. He often joked that the food was awful but kept returning just to see her. They were married on September 7, 1968. Their journey took them to Arizona before they eventually settled in Murray, Utah, where they raised their three children, Paula, Scott and Keri.

Gene dedicated over 30 years to Kiewit Construction as a project manager, retiring at the age of 52. In his retirement he found great joy in the garden, tending to fruit trees, berries and vegetables. Every Autumn he grew pumpkins, ensuring each of his grandchildren could pick one out to carve. He was an avid reader and spent years doting on his beloved wife, Carol.

"Grandpa Gene", as he was affectionately known, lived for his grandchildren. He was a constant source of adventure, whether it was fishing, hunting for treasures at garage sales, or Saturday morning breakfast at McDonald's. He loved taking them to Wheeler Farm to feed the horses and ducks, going for target practice, visiting the zoo, and hosting weekend sleepovers.

Gene is survived by his three children, Paula (Adam) Ashton of West Jordan, Utah, Scott (Jen) Rippe of Perry, Utah, and Keri Rippe of Riverton, Utah. His seven grandchildren, Justin (Chelsea) Jenkins, Emily (Anthony), Felice, Hunter (Kenzie) Rippe, Jordan (Taylor) Rippe, Kyle Rippe, Natasha (Mason) Waterfield-Childers, and Samantha Fuller. His five great-grandchildren, Riley, Damien, Bentley, Izabella and Parker. He is also survived by his niece, Kristie Renfrow of Glendora, California.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol, his parents, his sister, Sharon Renfrow, his niece Renee and his great-granddaughter, Karlee Rae Rippe.

Gene often expressed deep gratitude for his physician, Dr. Roy J. Gandolfi. He felt truly heard and respected under his care, viewing him not just as a doctor, but as a friend. The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Aspen Ridge Hospice, specifically his nurses Alex and Kalia, for their compassion. We are especially grateful to Keri, who devoted the last year of Gene's life to taking him to appointments and caring for his home, and for her tireless vigil over him during his final weeks.

Per Gene's request, no funeral services will be held. Cremation services are under the care of Larkin, and interment will take place at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy.