Elaine H. Ripple, (nee Fischer), age 77, of West Bend, was called home to be with her daughter and their Lord on Sunday, October 12, 2008 at St. Joseph's Hospital in the town of Polk.
She was born on September 17, 1931 in Hayward WI, to the late Rudolph and Hildagarde (nee Terborg) Fischer. Elaine graduated in 1949 from Wauwatosa High School and a short time later was united in marriage to the love of her life, Paul Ripple, on September 2, 1950 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Elm Grove. Elaine was employed by the West Bend Company and worked in the steno pool before becoming a teacher's aid for 17 years with the West Bend School District. She was also the storyteller on WBKV's Children's Story Hour in the 1950's.
Elaine spent her life always putting others first. She had a heart for service and enjoyed many years volunteering at Cedar Community. Elaine was very family oriented and her love of children made her an amazing grandmother. She was a super cook, and an avid Bridge player. Elaine was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church.
Elaine is the beloved wife of Paul Ripple of West Bend; the devoted mother of the late Patti and her husband Kevin Dwyer of Wales, and of Allan Ripple of West Bend; the loving grandmother of Keara, Colin, and Conor Dwyer, and Evan Ripple; and the kind sister to Edith and her husband Frank Rahm of West Allis, and the late Harvey Fischer.
A memorial service in honor of Elaine's life will be held on Friday, October 17, 2008 at 7:00 pm at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home in West Bend. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 pm until the time of service at 7:00. Memorials to the Friends of Autism would be greatly appreciated by the family.