Gary Vernon Ripley

On December 29, 2023, Gary Vernon Ripley (78) of Cannon Falls, Minnesota passed away peacefully at his hobby farm (a 45-years labor of love) with his wife and family at his side.

Gary, the youngest of five children, was born on November 1, 1945 to Alda and Marion Ripley. He was the first and only of the family’s children to be born in the Pipestone, Minnesota hospital instead of at home on the family farm.

Gary attended both grade school and high school in Verdi, Minnesota. Graduating in 1963, he married his classmate Barbara (Johansen) and joined the Air Force serving his country for five years. Their service time included Bellevue (Nebraska), Galena (Alaska), and Rome (New York). Upon his honorable discharge, Gary still believed Minnesota to be home and with his family, returned to the Minneapolis/St Paul area. In 1978, the family bought their hobby farm near Cannon Falls, Minnesota calling it “home” at last.

Following his military service, Gary began his carpentry profession with an apprenticeship under a journeyman’s mentorship thus opening a door to commercial and residential construction for 35 years. Retiring at the age of 55, Gary was very happy to transfer his craftsmanship skills to his home projects, until the point when Lewy Body Dementia robbed him of the ability to do his life’s work.

Since Gary was the only son of his parents, he wanted to ensure his branch of the family tree continued to grow. Gary and Barbara raised five children: Steven, Lisa, Darin, Robbin, and Eric. Their children were curious kids who loved the adventure of country living - making their family farm a perfect place to grow.

Raised in the Catholic religion, Gary developed a very strong faith to guide him. He lived his life trying to role model this faith and he shared his life struggles with the hope to help others with their own challenges.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Alda and Marion, his daughter Robbin, his son Eric, grandson Zachary, granddaughter Bryn, sisters Lila Grintsead and Gail Coleman, sister-in-law Sharron Louks, brother-in-law Robert Otkin, nephew Randy Otkin, grandniece Karlene Cahalan and his grandnephew Ryan Miller.

Gary is survived by Barbara - his loving wife of 60 years, his children Steven (Mary), Lisa (Kevin Otterness), Darin (Elizabeth). In addition, Gary was blessed with 13 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, two sisters (Joyce Otkin and Pat Steuck), sister-in-law Lynette Boland (Paul), brother-in-law Keith Johansen (Connie), brother-in-law Jerald Coleman, 13 nieces, nine nephews, as well as numerous cousins and special friends.

At Gary’s request, there will not be a wake or funeral, but rather a Celebration of LIfe picnic at his home for friends and relatives. Further information will be made available at a later date.

“He is gone from our sight, but forever in our hearts…”