Elinor Ripperda, age 91 of Highland, IL, died Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Breese Nursing Home in Breese, IL.
She was born on Sunday, September 10, 1933, in Highland, IL, the daughter of Edwin and Olga (nee Keilbach) Weiss.
On Wednesday, May 3, 1950, she married Vincent Henry Ripperda at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL, who passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2009.
She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and Teamsters Local #525.
Elinor was born in Highland, IL and grew up south of town. She attended East Sugar Creek Country School. Elinor worked at St. Louis Shoe Factory and Trenton Shoe Factory, as well as Highland Machine & Screw which she retired from after many years and Hi Top Bowl. Elinor enjoyed gardening, baking, making candied pecans from her own pecan trees in her yard, canning, her pug dogs and crocheting. She also enjoyed word find puzzles, cards (euchre, poker, gin rummy and jass) and slot machines. In the past, she and Vince loved to dance the polka. They belonged to the Highland Square Dancers Club. They both also bowled on a Monday Night Mixed League at Hi Top Bowl. She was a current member of the Highland Area Senior Citizens Club.
Survivors include:
- Daughter – Linda K. Klaus, Highland, IL
- Son – Vincent E. Ripperda, Jr., Highland, IL
- Son – Gerald W. Ripperda, Highland, IL
- Son – Michael L. (Cindy) Ripperda, Highland, IL
- Son – Steven A. Ripperda, Highland, IL
- Sister – Jane D. Hess, Highland, IL
- Grandchild – Tracie (Dan) Lucas, Highland, IL
- Grandchild – Wendy (partner – Matt Zajae) Klaus, Highland, IL
- Grandchild – Ted R. (Abbey) Klaus, Highland, IL
- Grandchild – Brian (Krystal) Ripperda, Cold Creek, KY
- Grandchild – Keith (Mandy) Ripperda, Sherman, IL
- Grandchild – Nichole (Brandon) Miller, Alhambra, IL
- Grandchild – Michael (Vicki) Ripperda, Troy, IL
- Grandchild – Daniel (Allyson) Ripperda, Highland, IL
- Grandchild – Richard Ripperda, Vandalia, IL
- Great Grandchildren – 9
- Step Great Grandchildren – 3
- Step Great-Great Grandchild – 1
She was preceded in death by:
- Husband – Vincent Henry Ripperda
- Son-In-Law – Tim Klaus
- Daughter-In-Law – Vickie (Wagner) Ripperda
- Grandchild – Jason Ripperda
- Father – Edwin Alfred Weiss
- Mother – Olga Theresa Weiss
- Brother & Sister-In-Law – Kenneth E. (Betty) Weiss
- Sister & Brother-In-Law – Elaine T. (Leland) Bornhauser
- Sister & Brother-In-Law – Betty M. (Earl K.) Kesner
- Sister & Brother-In-Law – Lorene O. (Don) Lewis
- Sister – Marilyn L. Weiss
- Sister – Shirley M. Weiss
- Brother-In-Law – Joseph Hess
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, Fr. Pat G. Jakel, Pastor, St. Paul Catholic Church, officiating.
Interment will be at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Residential Hospice, Masses, or to the family.
