Darrell "Rip" D. Rippon

Darrell Dean Rippon, 91, of Rockford, IL passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Alpine Fireside Health Center. He was born September 25, 1934, in Manchester, Iowa. Darrell was the son of Lee and Mildred (Gibbs) Rippon. He graduated from East High School - Class of 1952. Over the course of his career, Darrell worked as a mechanical engineer for Barber Colman, Roper Whitney and Modern Suspension Systems, Inc. Darrell also served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955.

Darrell was a member (past/present) of the Masonic Lodge 745, Winnebago, IL, Moose Lodge 295 Belvidere IL, American Legion Post 1207 Rockford IL, Collide-O-Scopes Square Dance Club, US Bowling Congress, and was a Cub & Boy Scout leader Church School Troop 28. In his free time, he enjoyed bowling and collecting coins.

Darrell is survived by his beloved partner, Margaret Gunderson, son Steve (Jodi) Rippon of Belvidere IL, step-children Gerald "Chub", Fred, Darwin, and Kenny Rux, Vienna Aaby, grandchildren Micah (Rebecca), Kayla and Courtney Rippon, great-grandchildren Mya and Chloe Rippon, as well as numerous step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.

Darrell was predeceased by his parents, daughter Marilyn Chris Kinroth, sister Sharon Welch, half-brother Ron Conway, wives Esther Johnson Rippon and Inez Rux Rippon, and step-grandsons Austin and Uriah Rux.

A burial of ashes with military honors will take place at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Willwood Burial Park, 7000 W. State St, Rockford, IL 61102. The family invites you to a celebration luncheon to follow at 12 p.m. at Schiros, 1201 North Springfield Ave, Rockford, IL 61101.