Matthew William Riipi

Matt was born in Hancock on September 11, 1949, son of Ernest and Mildred (Lexson) Riipi of Liminga. Matt grew up on the family farm with his siblings, Elsa and Rich, and graduated from Houghton High School in 1967. He earned a business degree from Michigan Technological University and later earned his CPA license.

Though they were friends throughout high school, Matt fell in love with his wife, Linda (Karinen) Riipi while he was working as a taxicab driver in Houghton during college. Matt and Linda enjoyed many years of adventures together, including completing the Circle Tour and camping around Lake Superior before marrying on October 4, 1975.

As newlyweds, Matt and Linda resided in Okemos, Michigan where Matt worked for the Michigan Auditor General’s office. The couple later moved back to the Upper Peninsula where he became the internal auditor and CPA for Northern Michigan University in Marquette. In addition to playing hockey, Matt was an avid skier, runner, triathlete, and certified scuba diver. He shot two holes-in-one golfing and he loved to travel both stateside and abroad.

Matt was a doting and devoted father to his only child, Erin. He was considered a second dad to many and the “cool” uncle of the family. After Matt retired from Northern Michigan University in 2007, he wintered in Marco Island, Florida where he enjoyed golfing, fishing and spending time with his family on the beach.

People loved Matt. Effortlessly charming, he could strike up a genuine friendship with almost anyone. The most stylish and hip guy, he was proud of being a liberal Democrat and was incredibly supportive of his daughter and her wife, Mary. He was excited to vote for Joe again in 2024.

Matt was the definition of SISU and fought several intense health battles in the last two years of his life. The ultimate badass, he underwent emergency orthopedic surgery and a triple bypass in one week. He was beyond grateful for the support of his buddies: the ICU nurses at UP Health, his niece Linnea Riipi, his best friends Les and Deb Rolig, and his neighbor Kelsey Stauber.

Matt is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Rich Riipi and Alfred Dawe, sister Elsa (Riipi) Strayer, brother-in-law Jeff Strayer, and many aunts and uncles.

Matt is survived by his wife Linda (Karinen) Riipi; daughter Erin Riipi; daughter-in-law Mary Gallas; sister-in-law Georgia (Hainault) Riipi; nieces and nephews: Lauren Strayer, Adam Strayer, Linnea Riipi and Ron Scheiding, Sonja (Riipi) and Cal Dellies, Ryan and Sherida (Wilson) Riipi; his beloved great-nephews: Austin, Ian, Owen, Theo, Nash and Quinn; and many close friends.

A celebration of life will take place in the spring with details to be announced.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.