Paul Francis Ripp

Paul Francis Ripp, 60, died peacefully on September 7, 2017 after years of battling an undiagnosed neurological illness. He is survived by his wife Jo Ann, his daughter Veronica, and his three brothers Tom, Tony, and Bob. He is preceded in death by his parents Mary and Lawrence Ripp.

Paul was born in Madison, Wisconsin and raised in Peoria, Illinois and went to Bergen High School (class of 1975). He married Jo Ann Coco-Ripp on July 6, 1984. Paul was trained as a steamfitter, yet a "jack of all trades" who worked in many construction and maintenance industries, for employers including PARC, Carver Lumber, Marriott Hotel properties, and Oklahoma State University. He lived out his life in Utah, Oklahoma, and North Carolina.

From his daughters cradle to the backyard fire pit, Paul enjoyed building projects. Paul was Roman Catholic; at his church, he was a fourth degree Knight of Columbus, sponsored new Catholics through the RCIA process, and helped install new AEDs at the church (Holy Family Clemmons). He was an instructor for the Red Cross, avid outdoors man, and scout instructor. He supported the Chicago Bears, the military, and loved military planes. Paul traveled a lot; he assisted on trips for persons with disabilities, such as a train trip to the Grand Canyon, Six Flags, and Dollywood. He also accompanied Jo Ann to professional conferences and MLB games. Just like his dad, he always had a riddle ready with which to stump you.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 17 at 6 pm - 8 pm at Vogler Funeral Home 2849 Middlebrook Dr. Clemmons, NC 27012

The Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, September 18 at 11 am with lunch reception to follow at Holy Family Catholic Church at 4820 Kinnamon Rd. Winston-Salem, NC 27103

The burial will be in Peoria, IL on September 30th at 10 am at St. Joseph Cemetery 2105 W Heading Ave, Peoria, IL 61604 with a reception to follow at St. Mark's Catholic Church 1113 W. Bradley Ave. Peoria, IL

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the Red Cross or to the Knights of Columbus fund for the "Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage"