Lloyd D. Rippe

Lloyd Dean Rippe was born on October 6th, 1943 in Steele City, Nebraska, to Richard Herman and Leta Laura (Roelfs) Rippe.  He departed this life on August 15th, 2020 at the age of 76 years, 10 months, and nine days.

Lloyd lived his entire life on the Rippe family farm south of Diller.  He attended grade school at two one-room country school districts, Numbers 57 and 58, and attended high school in Odell until the 11th grade.  He then joined the Army National Guard in 1961 and served full-time until 1965.  Lloyd traveled the country during his time with the Guard, making many memories and friends.  It was through one of his friends that he met his future wife, Janice Helen Meyer.  They were married at Peace Lutheran Church of rural Plymouth on April 23rd, 1971.  Two sons were born to this union.  Lloyd and Janice were married for 32 years, ending with Janice's passing on December 20th, 2003.

It is an understatement to say that farming was in Lloyd's blood.  Even as a toddler, he was obsessed with John Deere tractors, especially those belonging to his father.  One story that has survived the years is of Lloyd chasing two tractors down the road that were being driven by his father and great uncle Herman, as they snuck out after lunch while Lloyd was napping.  Lloyd partnered with his father Richard on the farm after his National Guard years, working together until Richard's passing in 1986.  Through the years, Lloyd tried his hand at multiple side ventures, including hogs, chickens, and even was an NC+ seed dealer for a year or two during the 1970s.  His main products were corn, wheat, milo, soybeans, and Hereford cattle.

Lloyd semi-retired from farming in 1999, and started doing custom swathing and baling work for neighbors and friends.  He also discovered life outside of the farm, mainly at the Side Trek Bar in Harbine and The Field in Diller.  He made many memories and close friends while getting his morning coffee and farmer's gossip, as well as his nightcaps.

Left to mourn his passing are sons Steven of Beatrice, and Jason and husband David Wright of Houston, Texas; step-grandchildren Jace and Ellie Wright of Houston; nephew Kevin and wife Barb Sasse of Diller, and many other relatives and friends.  Lloyd was especially close to the John and Phyllis Rupprecht family of rural Diller, and was like a grandfather to their four children: Taylor, Kaleb, Kaden, and Emma.

Preceding him in death are his parents, wife Janice, and sister Eldora Sasse and husband Leonard.

Services will be on the morning of Saturday, August 22 at 10:30 at Zion Stateline Lutheran Church of rural Hollenberg, KS, with Reverend Judy Hill officiating.  Gravesite services will be held at the Prairie Home Cemetery of Diller immediately following the service.  Serving as pallbearers are great-nephews Karter, Riley, and Elliot Sasse, and close friends John, Kaleb, and Kaden Rupprecht.  Due to the circumstances related to COVID-19, there will be no lunch after the gravesite services.  There will be a celebration of life to be planned after the pandemic is over.