Joe M. Ripka

Joe M. Ripka, age 88, of Tyler, passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, January 21, 2013 at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler. Joe was born in Kewanee, Illinois on October 5, 1924 to Albert and Ruby Twing Ripka; they preceded him in death. Following the death of his father at a very young age, Joe was raised by the man whom he called his father, Howard Fuerst; he also preceded Joe in death. At 18, Joe proudly joined the United States Army. He was a World War II veteran and fought in the European Theatre. Joe married the love of his life and best friend, Ella “Dolly” Hill, on September 3, 1949 in Kewanee, Illinois. Together they spent the next 60 years raising a family and living a lifetime of memories until her passing on April 28, 2009. Joe and Dolly moved their growing family to Tyler in 1961 when he took a job at Tyler Pipe as a design engineer. After 25 years of hard work and dedication, Joe retired from Tyler Pipe. Joe and Dolly were long time members of Marvin Methodist Church in Tyler. In his free time, Joe loved to deer hunt but those who knew him best knew his first love was always his family. Joe was a simple man who was laid back, honest and hard-working who will be deeply missed by those he knew and loved.

Joe is survived by two sons, Gary Ripka, and wife Terry, of Tyler and Gregg Ripka, and wife Kim, of Bullard; grandchildren, Christopher Ripka, and wife Jennifer, and Catherine Ripka; and by great-grandchildren, Alexis and Cason.

He was also preceded in death by one daughter, Debbie Ripka Winston.

Graveside services for Joe M. Ripka will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, January 24, 2013 at Tyler Memorial Park with Rev. Scott Wiley officiating. Visitation will be held from 6 – 8 P.M., Wednesday evening, at Lloyd James Funeral Home.