James Richard Ripka

James Richard Ripka was born in Kewanee, Illinois. He was raised in Kewanee and moved to Spirit Lake, Iowa in 1958. James attended Spirt Lake High School. He joined the Air Force in 1963 and received his GED. James passed away on May 16, 2025 in Brighton, Colorado. 

James was a master diesel mechanic for heavy equipment machinery. James worked for Wagner Heavy Equipment for many years before retiring.

He is Survived by his daughter April Ripka, brother Wayne Ripka, sister Linda Rubis. Nieces and nephews, David Rubis, Alysia Heller, Nichole Wall and Tina Scanlon. He is preceded in death by his parents Gilbert Ripka and Vivian Ripka. 

James will forever live with us in our memories. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Richard Ripka, please visit our floral store.