Obituaries : William G. “Bill” Rippel

VINTON:     William G. “Bill” Rippel died on Sunday, June 19, 2016 of complications due to Pulmonary Fibrosis.

    A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, June 23, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Vinton with Father Ardel Barta as Celebrant. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 PM, Wednesday at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel (212 East Sixth Street) in Vinton.  A private committal will be held at Evergreen Cemetery.

    Born May 29, 1941 in Minnesota, Bill was the son of Bruce and Loretta Rippel. He graduated from Vinton’s Washington High School with the class of 1959.  He married Mary Nolan on June 17, 1961 at Immaculate Conception Church in Van Horne and was a member of the National Guard for 6 years.

    He worked at Rapids Chevrolet in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where he was most known for building the famous car with “Two front ends”—a parade car used to promote the dealership. In 1981, Bill ventured on his own and opened Bill’s Body Shop where he was in business for 35 years.

    Bill enjoyed boating on the Cedar River, Saturday morning coffee and spending time with family and friends. The original Mr. Fix-It, he could always be found working in his shop on a project.

    He was survived by his wife Mary, sons Steve and Mike (Jessica) of Vinton, daughter Patti and grandson Patrick of Raleigh, NC. He was also survived by his brother Jim (Sharon) Rippel and sister Marge (Ralph) Wessling all of Vinton; sister-in-law Sondra Rippel of Cedar Falls; and several nephews and nieces.

    He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Duane Rippel.

    In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

    Condolences may be left at:  www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.