Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Mary Rippke
1947 - 2015
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Marie Margitan posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Oh so sad to have Mary leave us. She had such a zest for living. Mary was my supervisor and director for many years;I always appreciated her perspective and ideas.She was committed to public health and the state-local partnership. Beyond that she had so many passions. In the end it was to her faith and being a servant in the name of all she believed in. Mary I so wish you are as happy as you look in your picture.
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Joanne Schar posted a condolence
Saturday, April 25, 2015
I met Mary a few years ago with my friend Georga Bray, and I found her to be a really fun person. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. My sympathies to her family. Jo Dyhrkopp Schar
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Darla Flack posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Mary was an amazing lady. I'm so sorry to hear she passed away.
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Jan Jernell posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Oh Mary - you left us all too soon. You were such a dear and special friend to so many. You will be greatly missed - - you are in my heart forever. Rest in peace my dear friend. To Mary's family - I hope you know how special you were to her - and that you find peace in knowing how loved she was and how much she loved others. She lived her life well and left much love in the world.
Jan Jernell
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cyndy powers posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Oh Mary - I so enjoyed our talks about public health. There was so much more I wanted to share with you and to hear your thoughts. I feel so blessed to have known you and I will miss you!
Cyndy Powers
Dickinson Co. Public Health
Milford, IA
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Mary Brendtro posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
To the Rippke family -- My deep sympathy to you as you mourn the loss of your beloved Mary. May you find comfort in your treasured memories of her and in God's promises for her and for you. My connection to Mary began at Augustana College where she received a baccalaureate degree in nursing. As a former faculty member at the college, it was a joy to hear about Mary's accomplishments in what was a distinguished career in nursing. It is obvious from comments shared on this website that she had a significant impact on public health nursing in Minnesota. More recently, after her retirement and move to the Okoboji area, Mary and I reconnected because of our common role as parish nurses. She regularly made the drive to Sioux Falls for Avera Parish Nurse networking meetings. It was such a blessing to experience her friendship again and to hear about what she was bringing to her congregation in her new role. Mary was knowledgeable, thoughtful, compassionate, fun-loving and a valued friend. I will miss her.
Mary Brendtro
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Kim Wm. Jeppesen posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
I had the honor and privilege to have worked with Mary while I was in the Marshall District Office in the years before she retired from MDH. She helped give me the confidence in myself as I started my position as the district epidemiologist. She was part of what was called the "district team" while we were preparing for bioterrorism, this preparedness planning soon morphed into all hazard types of threats but Mary was always there with a smile and an encouraging word. Good bye Mary, you will be missed.
Kim Wm. Jeppesen
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Karen Swenson posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
I met Mary as local public health began new programming related to public health preparedness. Mary was the "glue" that held the partnership between most of southern Minnesota local public health and MDH. Together we developed plans for public health issues we never dreamed of..."bioterrorism". Mary was a strong, calm leader as we learned and planned together. I learned so much from her, she was a wonderful friend. May it help to know that so many of Mary's friends are sharing the sorrow in your heart.
Karen Swenson
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Julie Ring posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
I am still so shocked that I hardly know what to say, but I want to express my condolences to Mary's family. I hope you take comfort in the company of each other and so many of Mary's friends today and tomorrow. I have only seen Mary a few times since her retirement, but we have stayed in touch through Christmas cards and occasional notes. I took great pleasure in receiving "real mail" from Mary in her familiar handwriting, and hearing about her latest adventures. She lived her life to the fullest, which I always admired. Peace be with you all in the coming days and weeks.
Julie Ring
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Ruth Curwen Carlson posted a condolence
Monday, April 20, 2015
Remembering Mary Rippke
APRIL 20, 2015
I cannot believe you died so suddenly, without our even knowing you were ill. You had so much life to live. So many family and friends you loved and who loved you. So many who expected to see you again.
You gave so much life and caring to us all. You taught us so much, so easily. You loved nursing and public health and continued good works in these into your retirement. Your parish nursing gave your church community an enormous helping gift.
You gave your many loved ones the warmth of your time, interests, and home. I cannot remember the number of weekends you invited friends or family to come enjoy the beautiful gift of your home and good cooking in Spirit Lake. I feel we got to know the area and its treasures in each of those short stays and you loved cooking special and new things for your guests.
You loved your cats so dearly too and I worry for little Missy, what home comes next.
I wish I could have this conversation with you now to ask you what happened ? Were you afraid? Was your passing the peaceful transition you believed in through your faith?
When I think about all the times of our friendship over the decades I am so grateful to have known you and for being able to share pieces of your life. It has all ended too soon, but I am grateful you did not suffer a long and painful illness. I am also glad to know you had time to enjoy your retirement in the home you chose and made ready for this time in your life.
Rest well, dear friend. Our conversations will continue in my imagination and memories.
Ruth Curwen Carlson
Hawaii.
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Helene Vander Werff posted a condolence
Monday, April 20, 2015
I knew Mary through Faith Community Nursing at Avera Health. She was a wonderful colleague with a passion for what she did. Her smile shared the love she had for her work and those she ministered to. She will be greatly missed by all of us Faith Community Nurses.
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Susan Reiser posted a condolence
Monday, April 20, 2015
I worked with Mary on the Lenten Ecumenical Service Committee for the lakes region. What a wonderful lady and so organized! Prayers to her family at this difficult time.
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Kristin Johnson posted a condolence
Monday, April 20, 2015
Sweet, thoughtful, caring, prayerful, faithful, supportive, loving, inquisitive, knowledgable...the list to describe Mary could go on and on! I first got to know Mary when she made a home visit following one of my surgeries, sharing a precious prayer shawl that she had made for me! She remained connected and provided support to my family through some difficult weeks in the last year. I will always remember her hugs and positive words of encouragement! She never hesitated to get involved and experience all emotions, no matter how difficult, while helping others. Her loss will be felt deeply by many and I thank God for sharing this beautiful friend and servant with us! She truly has been a light in the world!
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Terry Bovee posted a condolence
Monday, April 20, 2015
I had the pleasure of sharing office space with Mary for a number of years in the Minnesota Department of Health's Mankato district office. We'd yak on all manner of topics - politics (like preaching to the choir on that topic), every day life stuff, personal or family sometimes - we even enjoyed each others music from time to time. She always laced conversations with humor, wisdom...and always graciousness.
She was a wonderful person and work mate and I'm saddened to hear of her untimely parting.
Terry Bovee
Henderson, MN
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Mary Megel posted a condolence
Monday, April 20, 2015
Mary Joan, I hope you and Ruth are reminiscing about our fun times together! We had such fun despite darned hard work at ASU in the MSN program (1971-1973), and with Sandy, enjoyed mega-fun trips to Canada to see Ruth, Lake Geneva (WI), and to visit you at Lake Okoboji. You were one of the BEST friends and roommates ever, and our continued friendship over the years has been such a blessing. Your family and friends love and miss you. God's peace, dear friend.
Mary Alice
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Linda Shaw posted a condolence
Monday, April 20, 2015
My sympathy to Mary's family and friends at her sudden passing. I worked with Mary at FMW Human Services. I enjoyed my time working with her, she was always very supportive and I respected her very much. God's peace be with you. Linda Shaw
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Jill Bruns posted a condolence
Monday, April 20, 2015
I am shocked and saddened by Mary's sudden death. I have known Mary for 37 years and she was one of my first mentors in Public Health. She believed in local public health and advocated especially for rural practice and services. Know that Mary's legacy lives on through her work and continued impacts on the practice of Public Health Nursing. While she didn't flaunt it, her attitude of being a Christian servant was exemplified in how she treated and respected people from all walks of life. May her wonderful memory comfort her family and friends.
Jill Bruns, Renville County Public Health Services, Olivia, MN
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Kristi Zellmann posted a condolence
Monday, April 20, 2015
It is with great sadness that I send my condolences to Mary's family. What a shock to hear of her death at such a young age. I had the opportunity to get to know Mary when I worked for Public Health for Watonwan County until her retirement. She was always there to help and I had great respect for her knowledge and passion for the job she did. I have had her on my mind several times in the past week and I hadn't thought of her in quite some time but now I know why she was on my mind. God works in mysterious ways. I pray for strength for all of you as you mourn. Your memories will live on in your hearts forever.
Kristi Zellmann, RN, PHN St. James, MN Watonwan County
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Renee Frauendienst posted a condolence
Monday, April 20, 2015
Mary was a wonderfully, passionate public health nurse. She made a huge impact on Minnesota's public health system-especially for nurses! I will miss her wonderful insights and ideas. My deepest sympathies to her friends and families.
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Kathy Norris posted a condolence
Monday, April 20, 2015
Mary was a very wonderful lady. I knew her only for the past few years, but I loved her and always looked forward to seeing her. God Bless your journey as you grieve for this special lady!!
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Patricia Coldwell and David Giese posted a condolence
Monday, April 20, 2015
Patricia Coldwell and David Giese purchased the Secret Garden Basket for the family of Mary Rippke.
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Dale Rippke posted a condolence
Monday, April 20, 2015
Goodbye Mary! Fare you well on this next stage of life's mystery. I know that if God and Heaven exist, you will certainly be welcomed there with open arms. My prayers instead will go to John and Paul and Lenise and their families so they can take comfort at your leaving us so soon. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the visitation and funeral since I'm caring for my wife after her surgery. As a nurse, i'm sure you would understand...
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Bolton & Menk, Inc. posted a condolence
Monday, April 20, 2015
Bolton & Menk, Inc. purchased the Secret Garden Basket for the family of Mary Rippke.
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Sheryl Rippke lit a candle
Monday, April 20, 2015
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The loss of Mary is so shocking and sad, but what a life well-lived. She was an inspiring person, full of vitality and positive attitude. I'm happy to have known her. I will not be able to attend her visitation or funeral, but my heart will be with the whole family. Peace be with you as you celebrate Mary's life.
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Jack Barr posted a condolence
Monday, April 20, 2015
There are no words to say to express my sadness at the loss of this wonderful lady,friend and co-leader in the Stephen Ministry at First Lutheran. About a year ago she and I attended Stephen Ministry Leaderr training in St. Louis. We returned to Spirit Lake and spent many hours developing a Stephen Ministry program and were so proud when 8 Stephen Ministers were comissiioned on October 12, 2014. She was working with those individuals and through phone calls,emails and Skype, I was able to continue to be a part off this process. She will be missed so much. Our prayers and thoughts are with her family. Jack and Anne Barr
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Enchanted Cottage was purchased for the family of Mary Rippke.
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Barb Schommer posted a condolence
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Oh Mary, I miss you so much. Thanks for so many great times, from Augustana and beyond....You have a heart so large, and you shared yourself with so many people. You are a true friend.
Jon, Paul, and Lenise and your families, love to you as you move through this sad time.
With gratitude for having known and been touched by Mary.
Barb Schommer
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Mary Rippke.
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Laurel Briske posted a condolence
Sunday, April 19, 2015
My deepest sympathy to Mary's family and many close friends. I will always be grateful for her friendship and mentorship at work. Her leadership and passion for public health will be remembered. She will be missed.
Laurel Briske
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Mary Adams posted a condolence
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Mary Rippke was so loved by all at First Lutheran chur. She was a pillari in our church. Her faith radiated in all she did. I especiallly enjoyed my time with her. I felt it was a privilege to be her friend. She has left many broken hearts. Mary Adams
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Nita Aasen posted a condolence
Sunday, April 19, 2015
I was so saddened and shocked to hear about Mary's death. As the public health director for Nicollet County, I felt so fortunate to have known Mary as a colleague when she was the MDH consultant for South Central Minnesota. She was a wonderful liaison between MDH and those of us at the county level. I always knew I could count on her to follow up on questions I had and to be a support during various public health challenges. Thank you Mary. Your legacy will not be forgotten. Nita Aasen
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patricia coldwell posted a condolence
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Farewell my long time friend. I will always cherish the memories of our trip to Tuscany, Mexico adventures, coffe and politics, and long walks around the lake. Your spirit will always be with us.
Patricia Coldwell
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Dave Dorenkamp posted a condolence
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Mary was a special lady. Her devotion to the Stephen Ministry program at First Lutheran, along with other commitments at the church were above and beyond what was expected. I will always be grateful to have called her a mentor and friend.
Dave Dorenkamp, Stephen Minister
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Blooming Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Mary Rippke.
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Marjorie Roelofsen lit a candle
Saturday, April 18, 2015
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Marjorie Roelofsen lit a candle in memory of Mary Rippke
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Carmen Reckard posted a condolence
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Hi Jon and Cheryl and family, My sympathy to you and all your family. I just can't believe Mary is gone. 2 weeks ago she was at my retirement party. We talked about getting together at Vic's corner this summer. She was such a wonderful talented nurse. She taught me so much all those years ago when she moved to Fairmont. Then it was such a pleasure to reconnect with her when she returned to work at MDH. I so enjoyed her stories about family...Mom & Dad, siblings and especially nieces and nephews. I pray your faith and the support of family and friends bring you comfort. Know she is in a better place and is reconnected with your folks and others that have gone before. Carmen Reckard
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