A Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper
Paul R. Ripley, 89, of Alta died April 28, 2025, at St. Luke's Medical Center in Sioux City.
Funeral services will take place Saturday, May 3, at 11 a.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Alta. Visitation will be held Friday, May 2, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Paul was born July 31, 1935, to Paul and Velma (Hoyle) Ripley in Churdan. He attended school in Alta, graduating in 1953.
On June 27, 1956, Paul was united in marriage to Margaret Woodard in Pocahontas. To this union, three children were born: Micheal Paul, Daniel Jay and Barbara Ann. Together, Paul and Margaret raised their family in Alta.
Paul worked many long hours doing road construction alongside Margaret for over 20 years. In his free time, Paul enjoyed racing hobby stock cars in Alta. He and Margaret loved dancing and were quite good at it. Paul was elated when they won a dance contest at Indian Village in Sac City. In later years, Paul treasured time with his grandchildren. He especially looked forward to their Christmas break when the family could be together. Paul will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his beloved wife Margaret Jane of Algona; children: Micheal (Betty) Ripley of Royce City, Texas; Barb (Jeff) Smith of Humboldt; brother Bill Ripley; sister Laurel Goettsch; nine grandchildren: LaToya Ripley, Jason (Kim) Smith, Ashley (Mike) Riddle, Amber Smith (Andres Vazquez), Matthew (Tonya) Ripley, Amanda Ripley (Ahmed Afef), Kylee Ripley (Brandon Way), Samuel Smith and Tyler Ripley; 20 great-grandchildren; nephew Dale Woodard of Omaha, Neb.; and many other nieces, nephews and extended family.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Velma; son Daniel (Lori) Ripley; sisters: Lynnette, Lois and Carol; brothers: Ivan, Howard and Arnold Ripley; and nephew Arnold Ripley Jr.
