Frank D. Ripley

Frank Darreld Ripley, 92, of Otsego, passed peacefully at home on Thursday, 12 December, 2024, just 27 days after the death of his beloved wife of 67 years, Joanne. The moment he learned of Joanne's passing, he smiled, stating "She's with God." His last 27 days were filled with joyous reflections of his life with Joanne, his family, and his strong faith.

Frank was born on 27 November 1932 in St. Ignatius, Montana. His rural upbringing during the 30’s informed a strong work ethic and love of all things nature, which he frequently and reverently referred to as "God's glorious creation".  Frank was a veteran who served during the Korean Conflict as a Jammer. After his service, his job as telegraph operator with the railroad moved him from Montana to Minnesota, where he met and married Joanne (nee Cotea).

As his family grew, Frank started a successful handyman and contracting business. After 15 years in Maplewood, he and Joanne purchased a 16-cabin resort in Nisswa, and Frank began work at St. Joseph’s Medical Center as a Maintenance Engineer. His work on resorts was truly a calling. He enjoyed the clients, fishing, rebuilding cabins, and grounds work. Later he and Joanne bought a smaller resort on Gull Lake. He was the first resort owner on Gull Lake to build accessible cabins and landscape features for clients with mobility challenges.

As he entered retirement, Frank and Joanne traveled south each winter, eventually settling at Holy Trinity Monastery in St. David, Arizona. Each winter he and Joanne loved to volunteer and serve this warm, Catholic community. One of Frank's greatest legacies in retirement was his love of gardening and generosity in sharing the fruits of his labors. This inspired many family members and neighbors to establish gardens. His love of nature and his mastery of woodworking came together in his carving and shaping of unique burls, stumps, and sticks that he harvested, carefully crafted and gifted to many.

Frank and Joanne shared a mutual love and respect that is rarely matched. He loved his family dearly and greatly enjoyed large multi-generational family gatherings. He delighted in his grand- and great-grandchildren. We will remember Frank as a goodhearted prankster who brought joy to many through his humor and wit.

Frank is survived by his children, Ellen (Bruce) Johnson, Nancy (Jerry) Doucette, Ann Ripley, Paul Ripley, Lisa (Clark) Schmidt, Carrie Ripley; 20 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Joanne, parents Fred and Dorothy Ripley, brother George, and sister Shirley Littleton.

Visitation will be held Saturday, 26 April 2025, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Andrew's Catholic Church in Elk River MN. Interment service will follow at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Dayton MN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Catholic Charities or Alzheimer’s Association in Frank’s honor.

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