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Prugh Funeral Service

8317 N. 4th St.

Burlington, Iowa

Gary Ripperger Obituary

Gary Lee Ripperger, 87, of Burlington, died Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington. Born November 7, 1937, in Melrose, IA, 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. Please continue to keep Gary's family in your thoughts during this difficult time. To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by WGEM on Jul. 10, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

DOROTHY STEINBERG STEINBERG

July 17, 2025

a wonderful classmate.... brilliant ... avid reader ..and a good friend,,,,,,,,,,,=================

Nancy Ramsey

July 11, 2025

We had a lot of fun. My condolences to the familly.

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Larry and Mary Walker

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Larry Walker

July 10, 2025

Larry and I are so sorry about the passing of Gary. Larry considered Gary a good friend during their time together as police officers in Burlington. Keeping you in our prayers Grace and family. Larry and Mary Walker.

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Prugh Funeral Service

8317 N. 4th St., Burlington, IA 52601

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