Joan Marie Ripley, 74, of Ellsworth, Wis., passed away on July 27, 2023. Joan was born on Dec. 16, 1948, in Red Wing, Minn., to Virgil and Laverne (Hanson) Mehrkins. She graduated from Red Wing High School in 1966 and later earned a degree from California Lutheran Bible School. Joan dedicated many years to working in the Ellsworth School District and the St. Francis School.
In 1970, Joan married her beloved husband, Douglas George Ripley. Their cherished union blessed them with three children: Adam, Jacob, and Alex. Joan was an exceptionally loving and caring person who deeply adored her family. She took great pride in her heritage, particularly her father’s role as a local business owner in the Red Wing area.
Some of Joan and Doug’s favorite activities included long rides on their BMW motorcycle, even riding to Alaska and back in a single week. A fervent animal enthusiast, Joan had numerous pets throughout her life, often raising several dogs simultaneously and showing some of them at dog shows. Her incredible sense of humor, along with her wit, sarcasm, and vibrant personality consistently brought laughter to those around her.
Faith held an undeniable importance in Joan’s life. Her membership and active involvement in the St. Francis Catholic Church in Ellsworth included participating in the choir, working in the school cafeteria, and regularly attending Sunday services.
Joan is survived by her sons Adam Ripley and Jacob Ripley; her daughter Alex Elizabeth (Jared Vander Hook); stepson Jay Ripley; grandchildren Cecily Ripley and Garnett Ripley; sister-in-law Beatrice Kizer; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Douglas; her parents Virgil and Laverne Mehrkins; her husband’s parents Walter and Edna Ripley; and her sister SueEllen Diercks.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Joan will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, at St. Francis Catholic Church, 231 W. Woodworth St., Ellsworth, WI 54011. There will be a visitation at 10 a.m. at the church prior to the Mass. Mass will be live streamed. Click here to watch: https://youtube.com/ live/FHUOAt84jus?feature=share
Interment for both Joan and Douglas will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing, Minn., alongside Joan’s parents.
Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth, Wis.
