Duane Howard Rippe

Duane, 86, died Friday, September 12, 2025, at NewAldaya Lifescapes in Cedar Falls. Visitation will be at the Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home from 5-7 PM on Friday, September 26th with a time of sharing beginning at 6:30 pm and the Funeral will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, September 27th at Nazareth Lutheran Church both in Cedar Falls. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery with Military Honors.

Duane Howard Rippe was born October 27, 1938, in Davison County near Mitchell, SD, to Irwin and Elsie (Mueller) Rippe. He grew up on a farm and attended school in Davison County and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Duane served two years in the United States Army from March of 1959-February of 1961. On December 27, 1962, he was united in marriage to Lois Zangle in Dimock, SD and they made their home in Cedar Falls, where they were members of Nazareth Lutheran Church.

Duane received his bachelor's and master's degrees in education from the University of Northern Iowa and was an industrial arts teacher for 34 years at Holmes Junior High in Cedar Falls. He also owned a residential construction business, remodeling many homes and building three houses in Cedar Falls, including the house in which he and Lois raised their family and lived for fifty years. After retiring from teaching, Duane sold real estate and enjoyed his hobbies of fishing, gardening and woodworking. He also enjoyed attending UNI sporting events, traveling, and spending time with his grandchildren. One of his favorite projects in retirement was the complete refurbishment of an Allis-Chalmers Model C tractor like the one his dad had owned and which he drove in the Sturgis Falls parade. Duane and his sons are profoundly grateful for the love and support he received from family, friends and the community during the end of his life.

Duane is survived by three sons: Doug (Leah) Rippe of Naperville, IL; Mark (Abby) Rippe of Denver, IA; and Kurt (Julie) Rippe of Hudson, OH; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters and three brothers: Darlene (Dick) Robbins of Sioux Falls, SD; Delbert (Pam) Rippe of Mitchell, SD; Robert Rippe of Sioux Falls, SD; Keith Rippe of Sioux Falls, SD, and Judy (Dale) Moege of Parkston, SD. Duane was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; his parents; brothers, Richard and Glenn; and sisters, Mary, Marlys and Sharon. Memorials may be directed to Nazareth Lutheran Church, NewAldaya Lifescapes or AMVETS Post 49 of Cedar Falls.