Claude L. Ripplinger
June 21, 1946-May 16, 2018
A man who lived his
life with heartfelt passion,
Claude L. Ripplinger met
his Lord on May 16, 2018,
at the age of 71. With a
lion-hearted mettle,
Claude battled cancer
with unwavering faith in
God’s wisdom and plan.
Claude was born on June
21, 1946 to John and Isa-
belle (Hoffner) Ripplinger.
A native of Harvey, ND,
Claude learned the value
of hard work and devo-
tion growing up and
working on the family
farm. After moving to
town in 1958, young
Claude delivered newspa-
pers and enjoyed a suc-
cessful leatherworks busi-
ness as he crafted and
tooled an array of pro-
ducts.
One eventful summer at
age 17, Claude encoun-
tered the love of his life,
Vicki Neumiller, at the
Wells County Fair. Little
did he know then, he
would share 50 years of
marriage with his soul-
mate. After graduating in
1965, Claude entered the
North Dakota National
Guard in which he served
as a cook at first the mess
hall and then the officers.
After a summer of train-
ing, he moved to Carring-
ton, ND where he worked
several years delivering
gas to area farmers for the
Farmers Union Oil, Co.
During this time, Claude
married his sweetheart
Vicki, and together, they
raised two children,
Nicole and Chad.
Always eager for a new
challenge, Claude and
Vicki began their venture
as supper club owners
upon purchasing the Fire-
side Inn, near Carrington
in 1976. Claude loved the
art of cooking and contin-
ued to explore and perfect
his craft to the end of his
days. As a bar owner, he
reveled in entertaining
customers with live
music, delicious food and
drink, and developing
friendships that lasted a
lifetime.
Returning to his roots
in Harvey, Claude moved
his family and began a
new exploit at Ripplinger
Motors learning the car
business and working
with his father JB Rip-
plinger until later becom-
ing owner himself.
Throughout his life as
both a business leader
and community member,
Claude strongly believed
that the strength and pros-
perity of a town lies in its
willingness and faithful
effort to support and serve
one another.
Claude was a member
of the American Legion,
Wells Eagles Aerie 3080,
an active parishioner of
St. Cecilia’s Catholic
Church where he served
upon the finance council,
all of Harvey, and he held
terms as president of both
the Carrington and Har-
vey Country Clubs.
Always discovering
new interests, Claude pur-
sued various hobbies and
passions throughout his
life including archery,
snowmobiling, bowling,
golfing, building and fly-
ing RC planes, and boat-
ing. He delighted in his
backyard and its many
birds, perfecting his lush
lawn, crafting wine and
golf clubs, and following
his favorite NASCAAR
drivers.
Above all, Claude loved
and respected the Lord
and treasured his family.
Claude brandished an un-
faltering passion for life
until his last breath.
Claude is survived by:
his wife Vicki, and their
children, daughter, Nicole
(Bryan) Armstrong of Har-
vey; son, Chad (Heather)
Ripplinger of Bozeman,
MT; grandchildren, Tyler
Rygg, Isabella Armstrong,
and Ava, Nora and Geor-
gia Ripplinger; father,
John (JB) Ripplinger and
his wife Virginia of Har-
vey; brothers, Leon
(Carol) Ripplinger of Kel-
seyville, CA; Monte (Di-
ane) Ripplinger of Rogers,
MN; numerous nieces and
nephews.
Claude was preceded
in death by: his mother,
Isabelle.
The Mass of Christian
Burial: Thursday, May 24,
2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St.
Cecilia Catholic Church,
Harvey, ND. Burial will
follow in the St. Cecilia
Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation: Wednesday,
May 23 from 3 p.m. to 7
p.m. with a rosary prayer
service at 7 p.m. at St.
Cecilia Catholic Church,
Harvey, ND.
Arrangements with
Hertz Funeral Home, Har-
vey, ND. Share online at
www.hertzfuneral
homes.com.