George R. Ripplinger, Jr. 1945-2023
George R. Ripplinger, Jr., of Belleville, IL, was born in East St. Louis, IL, on April 19, 1945.
He passed away peacefully at his home in the loving embrace of family after a heroic battle with cancer during which his positive attitude and determination will be an enduring testament to his spirit to all who witnessed his struggle.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife Terry (nee Steffens), brothers Dennis (Shelly) Ripplinger and Richard (Pamela) Ripplinger, beloved children whom he took proud delight in their achievements Dan (Becky) Vunetich, Jana (Paul) Amann and grandchildren Jessica ( Jimmy) Henshaw, Austin Vunetich, Peyton Weilmuenster, Jacob, Brent and Chloe Amann, great grandchildren Anna, Logan and Baylee Henshaw, brothers-in-law Todd Steffens and Martin (Kathie) Steffens, and several other relatives, friends and colleagues.
He was preceded by his beloved parents, George and Virginia (nee Toupnot) Ripplinger.
George was a graduate of Assumption High School (1963), University of Illinois, Champaign, IL A.B. Liberal Arts & Science, (1967) (Major Political Science) Law, J.D. (1970). He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Law School.
He was admitted into the practice of law in 1970 and was the managing partner of the law firm Ripplinger & Zimmer, LLC.
Mr. Ripplinger served over 30 years in the U.S. Army Reserves- Medical Services Corps and retired with the rank of Colonel.
He was a member of the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), American Bar Association (ABA), Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Sierra Club, and many more.
His efforts have been recognized by many professional and civic awards including the Distinguished Service to Law and Society Award from Fellows of the ISBA and being elected to the ISBA Assembly, the supreme policy making body of the ISBA.
Of his many awards and recognitions, he was most proud of his work with youth, which he felt to be the most effective means of positively impacting the future. He was an Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow member. He received the prestigious honor of the BSA Silver Beaver Award for outstanding service to BSA and to his community.
George was a strong conservationist adamantly advocating our duty to be responsible custodians of our Earth. He was a certified Sierra Club Outings Leader who taught an appreciation of nature and the wilderness.
George had an adventuresome spirit, supporting a variety of interests that he pursued energetically such a sailing, snow skiing, travel, mountaineering, and backpacking which included an arduous trek to the Mt. Everest ascent base camp in Nepal. He was very proud of his French American heritage and proudly proclaimed himself to being a "Frog," perhaps partly as a result he was a gourmet well-versed in fine wines and haute cuisine. He was a wealth of knowledge, practical and trivial. Along with a penchant for regimentation and organization, he was a capable and most willing leader in the time of need, whether it be a mechanical break-down in the middle of nowhere or translation of a French menu. All admirable and useful qualities and abilities, not always so in casual social interactions. However, it was balanced by one of his most endearing qualities of not taking himself too seriously and good-naturedly accepting ribbing.
George Ripplinger lived life to its fullest and leaves a world made better by his presence and will be greatly missed and ever fondly remembered by those who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Family Hospice of Belleville or to the local food pantry.
Visitation: Monday, July 24, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
Services: Tuesday, July 25, at 11:00 a.m. at Kurrus Funeral Home
His service may be viewed starting at 10:50 a.m. through the Kurrus website live stream link.