WANDA JUNE (HYTRY) RIPP
WANDA JUNE (HYTRY) RIPP
Wanda (Hytry) Ripp, 91, joyfully accepted the call to go home Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023. Wanda was born June 14, 1932 to George and Caroline (Daul) Hytry in Green Valley near Marshfield, WI. As a middle child in a family of 15, Wanda came by love of family and the blessings of children quite naturally. Growing up near the banks of the Big Eau Pleine River gave her many fun and unique stories to share.
While attending Viterbo College of La Crosse, WI, she met the love of her life, Duane Ripp. They were married Aug. 18, 1954, and lived on the Ripp family farm near Alma Center. Here they were blessed with seven children. Duane and Wanda shared, by their example and love, the love of the Lord, the value of family, the goodness of giving and respect for everyone. Wanda’s sweet smile and gentle spirit showed through everything she did. Her home was oftentimes overflowing with family sleepovers, and sing-alongs with her guitar.
Wanda was active with the Immaculate Conception parish altar society and several musical groups. For years, she volunteered at the Alma Center Public Library. She enjoyed working as an election worker, knowing the value of the right to vote. She also served as a teacher’s aide several years in the Alma Center elementary school. Her passions were her faith, her devoted husband, her family, music, dolls, books, sewing and travel. She taught more than 100 students how to play guitar. Besides guitar, she enjoyed many other stringed instruments like violin, dulcimer, mandolin, and banjo. Dolls, many of them repaired and dressed by Wanda, were cherished and filled every room in the house. In later years she and Duane enjoyed traveling to family and friends near and far as well as many out-of-state venues, notably the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Wanda is survived by children Mary Beth Ripp (La Crosse, WI), Greg Ripp (Lake Geneva, WI), Daniel (Lisa) Ripp (Taylor, WI), Maureen (William) Spencer (La Crosse, WI), Kevin Ripp (Alma Center, WI), and Andrea (Scott) Hudson (Hixton, WI); nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; sisters Elaine Hoffman, Lenore Martin, Juanita Hytry FSPA, Donna Mayer, Mary Eve Hytry FSPA, Kelly Gansel and Noreen Kiefer.
Preceding her in death were her husband of 67 years, Duane Ripp; infant son Philip Ripp; parents George and Caroline Hytry; sisters Beatrice Hytry FSPA, Ramona Stockton, Vernonia Gilles and Gaola Hytry; and brothers John Hytry, David Hytry and Daniel Hytry.
Wanda will long be remembered for her love of her Lord, kindness, hospitality and positive attitude. We would like to thank all who have shared the journey with Wanda. You have made a difference in her life as well as ours. We express a special appreciation to the staff at Grandview Care Center for their excellent care, and St. Croix Hospice for their loving and generous support during Mom’s final months.
Funeral services for Wanda Ripp were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Alma Center, WI. Friends called during visitation from 10 a.m. until services begin.
The Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements, 715-963-2311.