Karlene Marie Ripperger, 83, of Burlington, died Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Klein Center in West Burlington.
Born January 2, 1943, in West Point, Iowa, she was the daughter of Stacy and Marie Merschbrock Fraise.
Karlene grew up on a farm in West Point, Iowa. She had many wonderful memories of helping her parents on the farm and routinely went back with her family in later years to visit over the weekends. She graduated from West Point Marquette High School.
Karlene eventually met the love of her life, Eldon Ripperger, and they married on November 3, 1962.
Karlene worked as a day care provider for 25 years, and HyVee for a further 10 years. She loved the children she worked with and felt honored to be able to take care of them.
Karlene was heavily involved with Divine Mercy Parish. She volunteered for many things including being a faithful volunteer at the Grotto, serving as the funeral dinner circle leader, past President of the Altar and Rosary, chairwoman of the country store and bake shop at the fall festival, co-chair and organizer of the annual garage sale, member of the Resurrection Choir, and often donated her time to clean the church. Karlene was very much a "get're done" woman.
She was a very hard worker and always on the move. Her baking was renown, in particular her cakes and sugar cookies. A fantastic gardener, she looked forward to the explosion of color in the spring and summer. Moreover, she was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, pouring love into her family to ensure their safety and comfort.
Karlene was a treasure and will be truly missed.
Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Eldon Ripperger; children, Laura (John) Wehrle, Donna Gibson, and Robert (Mary Lou) Ripperger; grandchildren, Erica (Travis) Black, Courtney (Travis) Mullen, Kylie (Jesse) Hartman, Aaron Gibson, Sydney Ripperger, and Karly Ripperger; great-grandchildren, Gavin Black, Laila Taeger, Evelyn Black, Mason Black, Zachary Mullen, Jack Hartman, and Theo Mullen.
Karlene is preceded in death by her siblings, Carroll, Jerry, Carl, Darlene, Margie, Norma, Ruthie, and Janice; and her parents, Stacy and Marie.
Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with the family to receive friends following a 4:00 p.m. Rosary Service until 6:00 p.m. Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The Memorial Mass of the Resurrection for Mrs. Ripperger will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 12, 2026, at Divine Mercy Parish-SS. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church, West Burlington, with Fr. Jake Greiner as the Celebrant. A time of food and fellowship will be held at the SS. Mary and Patrick Church Hall.
Please continue to keep the Ripperger family in your thoughts during this difficult time.