Rev. William G. Ripperger
Deceased: 2022-10-08
Diocese: INDIANAPOLIS
Seminary Graduation Year: 1956
Rev. William G. Ripperger, 91, died Saturday October 8, 2022 in Louisville, KY following complications from a stroke. He was a Roman Catholic priest from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and was retired from full-time ministry in 2006. Bill was born October 21, 1930 at St. Peter’s in Franklin County, Indiana to the late William and Hilda (Wissel) Ripperger. He attended grade school in St. Peter’s as well as St. Michael’s in Brookville, IN and St. Andrew’s in Richmond, IN. Bill attended Major and Minor seminary at St. Meinrad Seminary, receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and finishing valedictorian of his class. Bill had a beautiful singing voice and enjoyed traveling with a singing quartet during his seminary years. In 1951, Bill continued his religious studies at Gregorian University living at North American College in Rome, Italy. There, he received both a Bachelor of Arts and Licentiate in Sacred Theology. He was ordained in Rome on July 17, 1955 by Pope Pius XII.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Rev. Harold Ripperger and Carroll Ripperger, and step-son Shannon Tennis. He is survived by his daughter, Kerri Ripperger (Greg Joyner) of Louisville and step-son Shawn Tennis (Jamie) of Bainbridge; sisters Helen Lawler and Mary O’Donnell, both of Indianapolis; brothers Edward Ripperger (Rosanne Taylor) of Indianapolis, Louis Ripperger of New Jersey, and Robert Ripperger (Kathy) of Indianapolis; sister-in-law Daphne Ripperger of Richmond, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the loving care he received from staff at Magnolia Springs Louisville, as well as his individual caregivers.
Visitation will take place Thursday October 20, 2022 3:30-7:30PM at Ratterman Brothers, 3711 Lexington Road in Louisville with vigil service at 7PM. Calling will continue Friday October 21, 2022 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Jeffersonville, IN from 9:30-10:30AM, with funeral mass to follow. Private burial will be in St. Peter’s cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or Humane Society.
