Calvin A. Ripley
March 14, 1926 ~ September 15, 2019
March 14, 1926 – September 15, 2019 of Forest Lake, formerly of Thief River Falls, MN passed away at Parmly on the Lake at the age of 93.
Cal was born in Ross Township (Roseau County) MN on the family farm and spent his childhood years in St. Louis Park, MN and Grand Forks, ND, before the family settled in Thief River Falls, MN where he graduated from Lincoln High School.
Cal was a WWII veteran in the US Navy. After his service he began attending UND but left to become a master plumber to help establish and run the family business, Ripley Plumbing & Heating, for the next 26 years. Cal retired from his working career as a pipefitter/steamfitter.
He was one of six children born to the late Earle and Huldah (Larson) Ripley and is also preceded in death by his dear siblings Marge Snelling, Betty Jane Whyte, Merton Ripley, and Earle Ripley, Jr. Cal was the beloved husband of Cathy Ripley, the love of his life, for over 68 years. Cal will be fondly remembered by his baby sister Ardell Overbye, beloved children Larry Ripley, Cheri (Tom) Edwards, and Jodi (Randy) Ayers, treasured grandchildren Katie Gesch, Anna (Jason) Barlow, Mike (Ashley) Gullekson, and Amy Edwards, precious great-grandchildren John Daniel and Rileigh Joy, caring in-laws Sylvia Ripley, Bob and Joann Sumbs, Lana and Ron MacCarthy, along with countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know this truly decent man.
Cal loved playing cribbage, watching almost any sport (especially the Twins), laughing, being with family and friends, word puzzles, reading Louie L’Amour novels, eating chocolate, ice cream, and having a little bit of pie with his whip cream. Cal touched the lives of many people with his warmth, and friendliness, and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end. He never met a stranger.
Friends and family are invited to wear blue (Cal’s favorite color) and to attend a memorial service on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 11 AM at Forest Hills United Methodist Church, 1790 11th St. SE, Forest Lake, MN 55025 with luncheon to follow. (visitation to be 1-hour prior). In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Private Interment.
On behalf of the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, we give thanks for Calvin’s military service to our country in the Navy and to veterans as a long time Legion member.