Robert E. Rippa

He was born on April 25, 1931, in Winona, a son of Yalmer and Evelynn Riippa.

On September 18, 1954, he married Patricia Hodges.

Robert was self-employed as a machinist in the Detroit area for many years. He relocated to the Upper Pennisula in 1970, where he owned and operated the Lac La Belle Resort until 1975. He served on the Lac La Belle Fire Department and was a Keweenaw County Commissioner for several terms. He was also on the Zoning Board of Review. In 1984, he started Rippa Products in which he operated until he retired in 1996.

He is preceded in in death by his parents, Yalmer and Evelynn Riippa; his wife, Patricia; a brother, Marvin Riippa; and his daughter, Susan Rippa.

He is survived by his brother, Gerald Rippa of California; a daughter Lori (Terry) Reilly of Ahmeek; grandchildren, Donna (John) Karvonen of Allouez, Christopher (Tina) Johnson of Calumet, Stacy (Josh) Teddy of Ahmeek; three great-grandchildren Trevor (Mandy) Silvola, Daylon Teddy, Josie Johnson; and two great-great grandchildren, Brooklyn and Ryder Silvola; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may call at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet on Friday July 12, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 11 am.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 12, 2019, with Pastor Micah Cavaleri to officiate.

Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery in Ahmeek.

Online condolences for the family may be left at ericksoncrowleypeterson.com

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.