Jeanne R. Riipinen

Jeanne R. Riipinen, 94, of Hibbing, died Friday, November 7, 2025, at Fairview Range Hospital, Hibbing. She was born on January 11, 1931, to Herman and Rose “Minnie” (Nehl) Zubrod. 

She and Robert Riipinen were united in marriage on April 23, 1955, in Hibbing. She and Bob spent many happy years making a home in Buck Lake after Bob retired. Jeanne was a devout member of the Immaculate Conception and Blessed Sacrament parishes. She was a religious education teacher and coordinator at the Immaculate Conception for a number of years. Jeanne was an avid baker with many legendary recipes and an enthusiastic gardener. She enjoyed time spent in the woods, both for walking and for competing with Bob in their annual partridge-hunting competition. The tally most often ending in a win for Jeanne.

She is survived by five children: Karen Lucia of Hibbing, Mark (Sue) Riipinen of Chisholm, Bob Riipinen of Buck Lake, John (Amy) Riipinen of Buck Lake, and Kris (Pat) Furlong of Hibbing; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Berland of Hibbing; seven grandchildren: Rachel (Joe), Jack, Jay (Britny), Maggie, Lauren, Sara, and Ben; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Robert Riipinen; sons, William Riipinen and Richard Riipinen; son-in-law, Patrick Lucia; grandson, Nicholas Lucia; and by her parents and siblings. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 12 noon, Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing.