Donald F. Ripp, age 84, of Monroe, died on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. He was born in Washington, D. C., on July 12, 1923, the son of Gerald and Gladys (Conway) Ripp. Don was raised in Madison, graduating from Madison Central High School in 1943. He attended the University of Wisconsin and later furthered his education at Madison Vocational Business School for 3 years. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp. overseas for 15 months with the 1st Marine Division and received the Purple Heart. Don married Beatrice Marty on April 12, 1947. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2006.

He was an officer of the Monroe Lion's Club, member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #754, and the Knights of Columbus. He served as alderman for the 8th Ward from 1967-69. He purchased Marty-Ripp Chevrolet from his father-in-law, Adam Marty, with Don retiring in 1985. In his earlier years, he enjoyed bowling, curling, golfing, playing cards and going fishing with his good friends. Don always looked forward to his visits from his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are his eight children, Jerry (Linda) Ripp of O'Fallon, Missouri, Jeffery (Debbie) Ripp of Brodhead, Kathryn (Scott) Larsen of St. Charles, Illinois, John (Elizabeth) Ripp of Drexel, Pennsylvania, Elizabeth (Jerry) Wuethrich, Joe (Karla) Ripp, Mary Ripp and James Ripp, all of Monroe; brother-in-law, John Marty of Monroe; sister-in-law, Lucille Wathen of Elm Gate, Illinois; 17 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Bea; his parents; and a grandson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 14, 2008 at St. Victor Catholic Church in Monroe. Celebrant will be Monsignor Thomas Campion, with burial in Calvary Cemetery in Monroe. A visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Monroe Clinic Hospice or the Apostolate to the Handicapped in Don's memory.