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Wayne W. Ripke, 84, of Storm Lake died Dec. 28, 2024, at Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake.
Funeral services will take place Saturday, Jan. 4, at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Storm Lake. Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 3, from 4-7 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake.
Wayne was born Dec. 18, 1940, in Storm Lake, the son of Walter and Marie (Hogrefe) Ripke. He was baptized on Jan. 1, 1941, and confirmed his faith on April 11, 1954, at Zion Lutheran Church. Wayne attended Zion Parochial School, then graduated high school from Sulphur Springs in 1958. Wayne’s faith was the cornerstone of his life, and he remained a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church.
Wayne owned Wayne Ripke Trucking. He was passionate about music, especially polka and classic country. Wayne bought his first concertina at the age of 17 and taught himself how to play. Many people have enjoyed listening to the Wayne Ripke Band from 1963 until 2013. Wayne also loved Oliver tractors. He enjoyed going on tractor rides, especially his trip to the Black Hills. In his free time, Wayne could be found watching his favorite TV channel, RFD TV. More than anything, Wayne treasured time with his friends and family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Left to cherish Wayne’s memory include his siblings: Clifford (Shirley) Ripke of Hartley; Elaine (Len) Brechler of Edinburg, Texas; Loren (Sue) Ripke of Mount Vernon; Marlys (Jim) Martin of Sioux City; sister-in-law Darnell Ripke of Storm Lake; 13 nieces and nephews; extended family and friends.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Marie Ripke; brother Willis Ripke; and niece Barbara Nieland.
