Richard Rippe

Richard John Rippe, 68, of Atwood, died Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at the Rawlins County Health Center. He was born January 14, 1949, in Atwood, KS to Walter and Leta (Prideaux) Rippe. He graduated from Atwood High School in 1967, attended K-State for a year. He was a drummer in the H.S. band and was in a local band with classmates, Dan Lankas, Arnie Hoxsey. He started his career in newspaper publishing and ownership at Citizen Patriot while in high school. His love of photography, journalism and promoting his various local towns never ended. He was Atwood Chamber Director when moving back to his home town. He was also a member of Rotary and the Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Atwood.

The Love of his life was born October 31, 1988, Matthew Walter. He loved children! Some of the kids in town knew he always had hard candy in his pocket to give them. That was a favorite thing he loved to do. He brought the Atwood Amusement Association to reality, with a great team of supporters because our kids needed one in their home town.

He was preceded in death by his mother Leta.

He is survived by his father Walter, of Atwood; son, Matt (Liz) Rippe, Kansas City, MO; sisters, Janet (Tom) Vrbas, Atwood and Twila Rippe, Colorado Springs, CO; aunts, Mary Leitner, Atwood and Lorraine Prideaux, Sylmar, CA; two nieces and three nephews.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 13, 2017 at the Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Atwood with inurnment in Fairview Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to God’s Little Saints Preschool or the Rawlins County Amusement Association, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com