Wanda Ripp

Wanda (Hytry) Ripp, aged 91, joyfully accepted the call to go home on Wednesday,
October 11, 2023. Wanda was born June 14, 1932 to George and Caroline (Dahl) Hytry
in Green Valley near Marshfield, Wisconsin. As a middle child in a family of 15, Wanda
came by love of family and the blessings of children quite naturally. Growing up near the
banks of the Big Eau Pleine River gave her many fun and unique stories to share.
While attending Viterbo College of La Crosse, Wisconsin, she met the love of her life,
Duane Ripp. They were married on August 18, 1954 and lived on the Ripp family farm
near Alma Center. Here they were blessed with seven children. Duane and Wanda
shared, by their example and love, the love of the Lord, the value of family, the
goodness of giving and respect for everyone. Wanda’s sweet smile and gentle spirit
showed through everything she did. Her home was oftentimes overflowing with family
sleepovers, and sing-alongs with her guitar.
Wanda was active with the Immaculate Conception parish altar society and several
musical groups. For years she volunteered at the Alma Center Public Library. She
enjoyed working as an election worker, knowing the value of the right to vote. She also
served as a teacher’s aide several years in the Alma Center elementary school. Her
passions were her faith, her devoted husband, her family, music, dolls, books, sewing
and travel. She taught more than 100 students how to play guitar. Besides guitar, she
enjoyed many other stringed instruments like violin, dulcimer, mandolin, and banjo.
Dolls, many of them repaired and dressed by Wanda, were cherished and filled every
room in the house. In later years she and Duane enjoyed traveling to family and friends
near and far as well as many out-of-state venues, notably the Black Hills of South
Dakota.
Wanda is survived by children Mary Beth Ripp (La Crosse, WI), Greg Ripp (Lake
Geneva, WI), Daniel (Lisa) Ripp (Taylor, WI), Maureen (William) Spencer (La Crosse,
WI), Kevin Ripp (Alma Center, WI), and Andrea (Scott) Hudson (Hixton, WI); 9
grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren; sisters Elaine Hoffman, Lenore Martin,
Juanita Hytry FSPA, Donna Mayer, Mary Eve Hytry FSPA, Kelly Gansel, and Noreen
Kiefer. Preceding her in death were her husband of 67 years, Duane Ripp; infant son,
Philip Ripp; parents George and Caroline Hytry; sisters Beatrice Hytry FSPA, Ramona
Stockton, Vernonia Gilles and Gaola Hytry; and brothers John Hytry, David Hytry, and
Daniel Hytry.
Wanda will long be remembered for her love of her Lord, kindness, hospitality, and
positive attitude. We would like to thank all who have shared the journey with Wanda.
You have made a difference in her life as well as ours. We express a special
appreciation to the staff at Grandview Care Center for their excellent care, and St. Croix
Hospice for their loving and generous support during Mom’s final months.
Funeral services for Wanda Ripp will be held at 11am on Monday, October 16, 2023, at
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Alma Center, Wisconsin. Friends may call
during visitation from 10 am until services begin.
 
The Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements, 715-963-2311.