Bob was born in Peoria, IL, to Mary Ellen and Walter Ripper. He graduated from St. Mark Catholic Grade School and Spalding Institute before attending Bradley University. While in college, Bob joined the United States Coast Guard, serving from 1964 to 1970. He later earned his master’s degree from Southern Illinois University, where he met his wife, Rosanne.
Bob and Rosanne were married on August 16, 1969. They lived in Springfield before moving to the DuPage County area in 1974, where they raised their two sons, Tony and Michael.
Bob spent his career working for the State of Illinois from 1970 - 2002. For many of those years, he was a Senior Market Development Specialist for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. He was highly respected in his field and helped bring several major businesses to Illinois throughout his career.
An avid football fan, Bob loved Notre Dame and the Chicago Bears. He especially enjoyed supporting his sons throughout their football careers at Montini Catholic High School and Carthage College.
Bob will be remembered for his charismatic and kind personality and his ability to connect with everyone he met. He loved telling stories, drinking Diet Coke, and spending time with family and friends, but nothing meant more to him than his family, especially his grandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mary Ellen, and his sister, Kathy. He is survived by his brother Jim; his wife, Rosanne; sons Tony (Kate) and Michael (Morgan); his six grandchildren, AJ, Maddy, Spencer, Bennett, Hazel, Finn; As wells as his nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held Thursday, September 17, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17W201 Roosevelt Rd., Oakbrook Terrace, IL.
A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, September 18, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 1025 E. Madison St., Lombard, IL. After the Mass, a procession and private inurnment ceremony for immediate family will be held at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery.
Following the services, family and friends are warmly invited to gather for a memorial luncheon to share food, drinks, and fond memories of Bob. The reception will be held at 12:30–3:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that those wishing to honor Bob’s memory consider making a donation to the San Miguel Fund for tuition assistance at Montini Catholic High School. Link to donate: https://www.montini.org/memorial-gifts
